Singer Peter Okoye has told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from the French music rights organisation SACEM for songs recorded by the former music duo, P-Square.

Okoye made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye during the ongoing case involving his elder brother, Jude Okoye, and Northside Music Limited.

He was cross-examined by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel to Jude Okoye.

SACEM is a France-based organisation responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to songwriters, composers and music publishers.

Jude Okoye and his company are facing a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving alleged fraud of N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Peter Disputes Claim Over Royalty Records

During the proceedings, Peter was questioned about his earlier statement that Jude had taken more than three months to provide him with P-Square’s backend royalty records after he requested them in 2022.

Counsel told the court that Peter’s request was made on October 16, 2022, and that Jude obtained and forwarded the records to him six days later, on October 22.

Peter disagreed, maintaining that he had requested the records earlier in 2022.

However, when asked to produce a text message, email or another document showing that he had made the request before October 16, he acknowledged that he could not provide one.

“No. I don’t have any and I can’t recall,” he said.

Peter confirmed that he eventually received the royalty statement from Jude. He said the document contained royalty information covering the period from 2016 to 2022, including payments connected to Lex Records.

According to his testimony, he requested the records because some individuals were interested in purchasing the P-Square music catalogue.

He also confirmed that Jude had sent him the relevant account information in 2022 and that the EFCC was aware that the documents had been forwarded to him.

Peter Says SACEM Royalties Belonged to Him and Paul

The singer disputed Jude’s claim to a share of the royalties paid through SACEM.

Peter told the court that the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, who together formed P-Square.

He acknowledged that the SACEM agreement had been signed by Jude rather than himself or Paul but said it had been signed on behalf of “the team”.

Peter, however, maintained that Jude was not a member of that team.

The singer also confirmed that the 10 songs generating the SACEM royalties were P-Square songs.

He acknowledged that he had previously given Jude 25 per cent of his SACEM earnings but denied that Jude subsequently demanded quarterly payments after the royalties were reconciled in 2022.

Peter Admits Receiving More Than $800,000

During cross-examination, Peter was confronted with the claim that he had received approximately $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026.

He admitted receiving the money but maintained that it belonged to the artists.

According to Peter, Jude did not receive any portion of those payments.

When asked whether he informed Jude about the money, Peter replied:

“No, the money was for the artists.”

The testimony placed the handling and ownership of P-Square’s international royalty payments at the centre of the ongoing dispute between the brothers.

Peter Denies Jude Was a Member of P-Square

Peter also addressed Jude’s role in the former music group and its business affairs.

When questioned about Jude’s position as P-Square’s manager, Peter said there was no employment agreement between the two brothers. He explained that their business arrangement was conducted through Northside Entertainment Limited.

Asked directly whether Jude was a member of P-Square, Peter stated:

“Jude is not part of P-Square.”

Peter maintained that he and Paul wrote, composed and produced P-Square’s songs.

However, he acknowledged that Jude played a role in the group’s visual productions and directed some of its music videos.

The testimony therefore distinguished, in Peter’s account, between Jude’s managerial and production-related involvement with the group and formal membership of P-Square.

Court Adjourns Case

The proceedings form part of the continuing legal dispute involving Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited.

The EFCC’s case contains allegations involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty, meaning the allegations remain matters for determination by the court.

Following the latest proceedings, Justice Alexander Owoeye adjourned further hearing in the case until December 8 and 9, 2026.