By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

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

Peter made the disclosure while giving evidence virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye. He was cross-examined by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Clement Onwuewunor, who is representing his brother, Jude Okoye.

SACEM is responsible for collecting and distributing royalties to songwriters, composers and music publishers.

Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are currently facing a seven-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged financial offences involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the proceedings, Peter was questioned about his earlier testimony concerning royalty records belonging to P-Square.

He had previously stated that Jude took more than three months to provide the group’s royalty records after Peter requested them in 2022. However, during cross-examination, Jude’s lawyer told the court that the request was made on October 16, 2022, while Jude obtained and forwarded the documents six days later, on October 22.

Peter disagreed with the timeline, maintaining that he had requested the records earlier in 2022. However, when asked to produce a text message, email or another document proving that he had made the request before October 16, he admitted that he could not provide one.

“No. I don’t have any and I can’t recall,” Peter told the court.

The singer confirmed that he eventually received the royalty statement from Jude. According to him, the document covered royalty payments from 2016 to 2022 and included payments associated with Lex Records.

Peter explained that he sought the records because some individuals had shown interest in purchasing the P-Square music catalogue.

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

However, Peter rejected Jude’s claim that he was entitled to a portion of the SACEM royalties. He maintained that the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye.

The court also heard testimony about an agreement with SACEM. Peter acknowledged that the agreement had been signed by Jude rather than himself or Paul. He described the agreement as having been signed by “the team” but maintained that Jude was not a member of P-Square.

Peter further confirmed that 10 songs generated the SACEM royalties in question and that the songs were recorded by P-Square.

According to his testimony, he had previously given Jude 25 per cent of his SACEM earnings. He, however, denied that Jude subsequently requested quarterly payments after the royalties were reconciled in 2022.

When asked about claims that he received approximately $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, Peter acknowledged receiving the money.

He maintained, however, that the royalties belonged to the artistes and said Jude did not receive any portion of the payments.

Asked whether he informed Jude about the money, Peter replied that he did not because, according to him, the funds were meant for the artistes.

Peter said the brothers did not have a formal employment agreement with Jude, explaining that their business relationship operated through Northside Entertainment Limited.

When asked directly whether Jude was a member of P-Square, Peter said: “Jude is not part of P-Square.”

He further maintained that he and Paul wrote, composed and produced the songs released by P-Square. Peter nevertheless acknowledged that Jude was involved in directing some of the group’s music videos.

The proceedings are part of the ongoing legal case involving Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited. Jude has denied the allegations against him by pleading not guilty to all seven counts.

The Federal High Court adjourned the matter until December 8 and 9, 2026, when further proceedings are expected to continue.