A fresh detail has emerged in the legal battle involving P-Square’s finances, as Peter Okoye disclosed in court that he received about $800,000 in music royalties from SACEM.
The singer, however, told the Federal High Court in Lagos that the payment was meant for him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, and that his elder brother, Jude Okoye, was not entitled to a share.
Peter gave the evidence virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye while answering questions from Jude’s lawyer, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN.
The testimony forms part of the proceedings involving Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, who are facing a seven-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The EFCC accused them of alleged fraud involving approximately ₦1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Much of Tuesday’s cross-examination focused on P-Square’s royalty records.
Peter was asked about his earlier allegation that Jude took more than three months to provide backend royalty information after he requested the documents in 2022.
The lawyer pointed out that a request was made on October 16 and that the records were supplied six days later.
Peter insisted that he had made another request before that date. However, when asked to produce evidence of the earlier request, he admitted that he had none and could not remember the details.
The singer confirmed that he eventually received royalty records covering payments made between 2016 and 2022.
He told the court that the documents were requested because some individuals were exploring the possibility of purchasing P-Square’s music catalogue.
Peter also confirmed that SACEM paid him roughly $800,000 in royalties.
When questioned about Jude’s entitlement to the money, Peter maintained that the payment belonged to him and Paul because they were the artistes behind the music.
Asked whether Jude was informed about the payment, Peter said he was not, adding that the money was for the artistes.
Peter further rejected the suggestion that Jude was part of P-Square.
He acknowledged that Jude directed some of the group’s music videos but maintained that he and Paul wrote, composed and produced the songs.
The court has adjourned the case until December 8 and 9, 2026, when the proceedings are expected to continue.
