Peter Okoye, a former member of the music duo Psquare, has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from the French music rights organisation, SACEM, but did not pay any part of the proceeds to his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
Peter made the disclosure on Monday while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye during cross-examination by Clement Onwuewunor, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, counsel to Jude.
Jude and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. He has pleaded not guilty.
During the proceedings, Jude’s lawyer questioned Peter over his earlier claim that Jude delayed for more than three months before providing records of Psquare’s backend royalties requested in 2022.
Counsel told the court 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 made the request earlier in the year.
However, when asked to produce a text message, email or other document showing that he made the request before October 16, he admitted that he could not.
“No. I don’t have any and I can’t recall.”
Peter confirmed that he eventually received the royalty report from Jude and acknowledged that it contained records covering royalties earned between 2016 and 2022, including payments associated with Lex Records.
He said the report was requested in connection with discussions involving parties interested in acquiring the Psquare music catalogue.
The singer also confirmed that Jude forwarded the account information to him in 2022 and that the EFCC was aware that the documents had been sent.
However, Peter disputed Jude’s claim to royalties paid through SACEM, insisting that the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye.
When counsel pointed out that the SACEM agreement was signed by Jude rather than Peter or Paul, Peter maintained that the agreement was signed on behalf of “the team” and insisted that Jude was not part of the team.
He acknowledged that the 10 songs for which SACEM paid royalties were Psquare songs.
Peter further told the court that he had previously paid Jude 25 per cent of his SACEM earnings but denied that Jude was entitled to quarterly payments following their reconciliation in 2022.
Asked specifically about receiving about $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, Peter admitted receiving the money but said he did not give Jude any portion of it.
“No, the money was for the artistes.”
He also said he did not inform Jude about the payments.
“No, the money was for the artistes.”
On Jude’s role in the group, Peter said he did not have an employment contract with his elder brother, explaining that their business relationship was handled through Northside Entertainment Limited.
When asked whether Jude was a member of Psquare, Peter responded:
“Jude is not part of Psquare.”
Peter maintained that he and Paul composed, wrote and produced the group’s songs, although he acknowledged that Jude directed some of their music videos.
The court has adjourned further hearing in the case to December 8 and 9, 2026.
Psquare, made up of Peter and Paul Okoye, rose to prominence in the early 2000s and became one of Africa’s most successful music acts before splitting in 2017 amid disagreements over Jude’s role as their manager.
The brothers reunited in 2021 but split again in 2024. Paul subsequently alleged that Peter was involved in his arrest by the EFCC.
In August, Peter accused Jude of excluding him from proceeds from the group’s music catalogue, including a $25,000 payment, and claimed he was not a signatory to one of the accounts used to receive royalty payments. Jude denied the allegations, while Paul said he was distancing himself from the dispute.
