“The Money Was For The Artistes” – Peter Okoye Admits Receiving $800k Royalties, Says Jude Got Nothing
Singer Peter Okoye has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received about $800,000 in royalties from SACEM for P-Square’s music, but his elder brother Jude Okoye did not get any part of it.
Peter disclosed this while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye on Tuesday, during cross-examination by Jude’s counsel, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are standing trial on a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged N1.3 billion and $1 million fraud. He has pleaded not guilty.
In court, Peter was questioned about his earlier claim that Jude delayed for over three months in releasing P-Square’s backend royalty records after he requested them in 2022. When he was told that the request was made on October 16 and the records were sent six days later, Peter claimed he had made an earlier request.
However, when asked to show proof of the earlier request, he admitted he had no evidence and could not recall.
Peter also confirmed that he received a royalty report covering 2016 to 2022. According to him, the report was requested because some investors were interested in buying P-Square’s music catalogue.
He admitted receiving about $800,000 from SACEM but insisted the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul, and not to Jude.
When asked if he informed Jude about the payment, he responded, “No, the money was for the artists.”
He further stated that Jude is not a member of P-Square, despite directing some of the group’s music videos, adding that he and Paul were responsible for composing and producing the songs.
The court has adjourned the case to December 8 and 9, 2026 for continuation of hearing.
