Peter Okoye discloses over $800k SACEM royalties for P-Square in Lagos court
Peter Okoye told a Federal High Court in Lagos he received over $800,000 in royalties from France-based SACEM for P-Square songs recorded between 2016 and 2022. He testified virtually while being cross-examined by Jude Okoye's lawyer, Clement Onwuewunor SAN, in the ongoing EFCC fraud case against his brother and Northside Music Limited.
Peter insisted the SACEM money belongs to him and his twin Paul, not Jude, despite Jude signing the agreement as "the team." He clarified Jude managed through Northside Entertainment Limited but was never part of P-Square's creative core—only directing some music videos. Peter confirmed giving Jude 25% of SACEM earnings earlier but denied demands for quarterly payments after 2022 royalty reconciliation.
The court adjourned until December 8-9, 2026 for further hearing in the EFCC case alleging Jude and Northside Music Limited fraudulently handled N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
This testimony highlights royalty tension points in Nigerian music groups: when managers handle business affairs, how should profit splits from international collections be verified and enforced? Artists should document all royalty agreements in writing with clear timelines for distributions to prevent future disputes.