- Royalties admitted: Peter Okoye testified in a Lagos court that he collected over $800,000 from the French music rights organization SACEM without sharing any portion with his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
- Fraud trial ongoing: Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are standing trial under a seven-count EFCC charge involving alleged fraud amounting to N1.3 billion and $1 million.
- Management versus membership: Peter maintained that Jude was merely a manager and music video director rather than a member of P-Square, disputing Jude’s claim to the international royalty distributions.
Former P-Square member Peter Okoye has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from French music rights organization SACEM. He testified that he did not give any portion of the money to his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
Peter gave this testimony during cross-examination by Clement Onwuewunor, counsel to Jude, before Justice Alexander Owoeye. SACEM is a French professional association responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to songwriters, composers, and publishers globally.
EFCC Charges and Document Disputes
Jude and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing trial over alleged N1.3 billion and $1 million fraud charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge filed against him and his company in Lagos.
During the proceedings, Peter faced questions about his earlier claim that Jude took over three months to provide backend royalty records requested in 2022. Jude’s counsel argued the request was made on October 16, 2022, and records were forwarded six days later. Peter disagreed, insisting he made the request earlier in the year.
When asked to provide a text message, email, or document proving an earlier request, Peter admitted he had no documentation and could not recall. He confirmed receiving the report covering records from 2016 to 2022, which was requested because parties wanted to purchase the P-Square music catalogue.
Royalty Distribution and Band Membership
Peter disputed Jude’s claim to royalties received through SACEM, maintaining the payments belonged exclusively to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye. Although he admitted Jude signed the SACEM contract, Peter claimed it was signed by a team that excluded Jude.
When asked if Jude was a member of P-Square, Peter stated clearly that Jude had no part in the group. He acknowledged that Jude directed some music videos and managed them through Northside Entertainment Limited, but insisted that he and Paul wrote, composed, and produced all songs.
What drove the legal dispute involving P-Square’s music royalties?
The legal dispute stems from deep financial disagreements, management friction, and catalog revenue divisions between the Okoye brothers. Allegations of financial impropriety and fraud brought by the EFCC escalated tensions, leading to court trials regarding unpaid royalties and missing music catalogue proceeds.
The Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned further hearing in the case until December 8 and 9, 2026.
