“The money was for the artistes” — Peter Okoye admits receiving about $800k in royalties, says Jude got nothing

Singer Peter Okoye has admitted receiving about $800,000 in royalties from SACEM for P-Square’s musical works but said his elder brother, Jude Okoye, did not receive any share of the money.

According to the Guardian, Peter made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos during cross-examination by Jude’s lawyer, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN.

Jude and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge brought by the EFCC over alleged ₦1.3 billion and $1 million fraud. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Peter was questioned about his claim that Jude took more than three months to provide P-Square’s backend royalty records after he requested them in 2022.

When told that the request was made on October 16 and the records were provided six days later, Peter insisted that he had made an earlier request.

However, when asked to provide evidence of the earlier request, he admitted that he had none and could not recall.

Peter confirmed receiving the royalty report covering payments from 2016 to 2022, explaining that it was requested because some people were interested in purchasing P-Square’s music catalogue.

He also acknowledged receiving about $800,000 from SACEM but maintained that Jude was not entitled to the money, insisting that it belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul.

Asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter said, “No, the money was for the artists.”

He further maintained that Jude was not a member of P-Square, saying, “Jude is not part of P-Square.”

Peter acknowledged that Jude directed some of P-Square’s music videos but maintained that he and Paul composed, wrote and produced the group’s songs.

The court adjourned further hearing to December 8 and 9, 2026.