By Rahim Abdul
Nigerian singer Peter Okoye has disclosed in court that he received approximately $800,000 in royalties from French collecting society SACEM for P-Square’s musical works, while maintaining that his elder brother, Jude Okoye, was not entitled to any share of the money.
Peter made the disclosure on Tuesday while testifying virtually before Federal High Court Judge Alexander Owoeye in Lagos during cross-examination by Jude’s lawyer, Clement Onwuegbunor, SAN.
The testimony is part of a case in which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, with seven counts involving alleged fraud of about ₦1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Peter was questioned about his earlier claim that Jude delayed providing P-Square’s backend royalty records for more than three months following a request made in 2022.
Peter maintained that he previously requested the records but admitted that he could not provide evidence of the alleged request and could not remember when it was made.
He confirmed receiving royalty records covering payments made between 2016 and 2022, explaining that the documents were sought after some individuals expressed interest in acquiring P-Square’s music catalogue.
Peter also confirmed receiving approximately $800,000 from SACEM but maintained that Jude had no entitlement to the funds.
Asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter replied: “No, the money was for the artists.”He further told the court that Jude was not a member of P-Square.Jude is not part of P-Square.”
Peter, however, acknowledged that Jude directed some of the group’s music videos.
He maintained that he and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, were responsible for composing, writing and producing P-Square’s songs.
The court therefore adjourned the matter to December 8 and 9, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.
