Nigerian singer Peter Okoye has admitted receiving more than $800,000 in royalties from French music rights organisation SACEM for songs recorded by the defunct music group, P-Square.

Okoye made the admission while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

He was being cross-examined by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel to his twin brother, Jude Okoye, during proceedings in the case involving Jude and his company, Northside Music Limited.

Key Takeaways

• Peter Okoye admitted receiving more than $800,000 in SACEM royalties.
• The payments related to songs recorded by P-Square.
• Peter disputed Jude Okoye’s entitlement to the SACEM royalties.
• Peter said the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye.
• He acknowledged receiving royalty records from Jude in 2022.
• Peter could not produce a text message, email or other document showing that he requested the records before October 16, 2022.
• Jude and Northside Music Limited are facing a seven-count charge filed by the EFCC, to which Jude has pleaded not guilty.
• The court adjourned further hearing until December 8 and 9, 2026.

Peter Okoye Admits Receiving Over $800,000 In SACEM Royalties

During the proceedings, Peter was questioned about royalty payments connected to P-Square’s music catalogue.

When counsel confronted him with the claim that he received about $800,000 from SACEM, Peter admitted receiving the money.

He, however, maintained that the funds were meant for the artists and disputed any suggestion that the payments belonged to Jude.

Asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter replied:

“No, the money was for the artists.”

Peter also confirmed that the 10 songs for which SACEM paid royalties were P-Square songs.

Why The Royalty Records Became An Issue

The singer was also questioned about his earlier claim that Jude took more than three months to provide P-Square’s backend royalty records after Peter requested them in 2022.

During the cross-examination, counsel told Peter that the request was made on October 16, 2022, and that Jude obtained and forwarded the records six days later, on October 22.

Peter disagreed, maintaining that he had requested the records earlier in 2022.

However, when he was asked to produce a text message, email or other document showing that he made the request before October 16, he said he could not.

“No. I don’t have any and I can’t recall,” Peter said.

He later confirmed that Jude had forwarded the royalty report to him in 2022.

What The Royalty Report Covered

Peter confirmed that the report covered payments from 2016 to 2022 and included records relating to Lex Records.

He explained that he had requested the report because some people were interested in purchasing the P-Square music catalogue.

Peter also acknowledged that Jude forwarded the account information to him in 2022 and that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was aware that the report had been sent to him.

What Is SACEM?

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

The organisation became relevant to the court proceedings because the dispute includes payments connected to P-Square songs and the parties’ respective claims concerning those royalties.

Peter Disputes Jude Okoye’s Entitlement To The Royalties

While Peter admitted receiving the SACEM payments, he disagreed with Jude’s entitlement to the royalties.

Peter maintained that the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye.

During cross-examination, counsel pointed out that the SACEM contract had been signed by Jude rather than Peter or Paul.

Peter responded that the contract had been signed by “the team.”

He maintained that Jude was not part of the team.

Peter also acknowledged that he had previously paid Jude a quarter of his SACEM share.

However, he denied that Jude demanded quarterly payments after the royalties were reconciled in 2022.

Peter’s Position On The P-Square Songs

Peter confirmed that the 10 songs for which SACEM paid royalties were P-Square songs.

He maintained that the money was intended for the artists.

The singer also disputed Jude’s role as a member of P-Square.

When asked whether Jude was a member of the group, Peter replied:

“Jude is not part of P-Square.”

Asked whether that meant Jude was not involved in the music produced by the group, Peter maintained that all P-Square songs were composed, written and produced by him and Paul.

He, however, acknowledged that Jude directed some of the group’s music videos.

Why Jude Okoye Is Facing An EFCC Case

Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged ₦1.3 billion and $1 million fraud.

Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The royalty dispute formed part of the issues explored during Peter’s testimony and cross-examination before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The allegations against Jude remain matters before the court and should not be treated as established wrongdoing.

What Peter’s Testimony Establishes And What Remains Disputed

Peter’s testimony established that he received the SACEM payments and that he had received royalty records from Jude in 2022.

He also confirmed that the payments involved P-Square songs and acknowledged previously paying Jude a portion of his SACEM share.

However, the parties’ positions remain different on several issues, including Jude’s entitlement to the royalties, his relationship with P-Square and the circumstances surrounding the royalty arrangements.

Peter’s inability to produce a document showing that he requested the royalty records before October 16, 2022, was also raised during his cross-examination.

The testimony therefore addresses several disputed aspects of the financial relationship surrounding P-Square’s music catalogue without resolving the underlying legal issues.

What Happens Next In The Court Case?

The Federal High Court adjourned further hearing in the case until December 8 and 9, 2026.

Further proceedings are expected to continue the examination of issues surrounding the charges against Jude Okoye and the financial matters raised during the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Peter Okoye admit receiving from SACEM?

Peter Okoye admitted receiving more than $800,000 in SACEM royalties, according to the supplied court-reporting material.

What is SACEM?

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

Which songs were involved in the SACEM payments?

Peter confirmed that the 10 songs for which SACEM paid royalties were P-Square songs.

What did Peter say about Jude’s entitlement to the money?

Peter disputed Jude’s entitlement to the SACEM royalties and maintained that the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul.

Did Peter receive the royalty records from Jude?

Yes. Peter confirmed that Jude forwarded the royalty report and account information to him in 2022.

What period did the royalty report cover?

Peter said the report covered payments from 2016 to 2022 and included records relating to Lex Records.

What is Jude Okoye’s role in the case?

Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited are facing a seven-count charge filed by the EFCC over alleged ₦1.3 billion and $1 million fraud. Jude has pleaded not guilty.

When is the next hearing?

The case was adjourned until December 8 and 9, 2026.

Current Status Of The Case

Peter Okoye’s testimony has brought further details of the P-Square royalty dispute before the Federal High Court, including his admission that he received more than $800,000 from SACEM and his position that the money belonged to the artists.

The issues surrounding the royalties, Jude’s role and the allegations against him remain part of the ongoing court proceedings.

Further hearing is scheduled for December 8 and 9, 2026.