Peter Okoye, formerly of the defunct duo Psquare, told a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday that he received over $800,000 in royalties from the French rights organization SACEM for Psquare’s music, but did not share the proceeds with his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
Peter gave this testimony virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye during cross-examination by Jude’s lawyer, Clement Onwuewunor (SAN). SACEM, based in France, collects and distributes royalties to songwriters, composers, and publishers.
Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are currently on trial for an alleged N1.3 billion and $1 million fraud brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Jude has pleaded not guilty to all seven counts against him and his company.
During the hearing, Peter was questioned about his previous assertion that Jude delayed sending him Psquare’s royalty records for over three months in 2022. Jude’s counsel countered that the request was made on October 16, 2022, and the records were sent just six days later.
Peter, however, maintained that he had made the request earlier in the year. When asked for evidence—such as a text or email—of an earlier request, Peter admitted he had none.
Peter confirmed he eventually received a royalty report from Jude covering payments from 2016 to 2022, including those from Lex Records. He explained that he had sought the report due to interest from parties wanting to purchase the Psquare music catalogue.
Peter also acknowledged that Jude sent him relevant account information in 2022 and that the EFCC was aware of this exchange.
However, Peter disputed Jude’s right to any SACEM royalties, insisting the payments belonged solely to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye.
When told the SACEM contract was signed by Jude, Peter responded that the contract was signed by “the team,” but claimed Jude was not part of that team. He confirmed that all 10 songs generating the SACEM royalties were Psquare songs.
Peter admitted that he had previously paid Jude a quarter of his SACEM share but denied that Jude demanded regular quarterly payments after their 2022 reconciliation.
When confronted with records showing he received approximately $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, Peter confirmed the payments but said Jude was not given a share, maintaining the money was for himself and Paul.
Asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter replied, “No, the money was for the artistes.
On the question of compensation for Jude’s management services, Peter said there was no employment contract, as Jude worked through Northside Entertainment Limited.
He also insisted that Jude was not a part of Psquare, and that all music was composed, written, and produced by himself and Paul. He did acknowledge that Jude directed some of the group’s music videos.
Further hearings are scheduled for December 8 and 9, 2026.
Psquare, one of Africa’s most successful acts, rose to prominence in the early 2000s but split in 2017 amid disputes over Jude’s role as manager.
The brothers reunited in 2021, holding a major concert that December. However, in 2024, Paul confirmed another split, alleging that Peter was involved in his arrest by the EFCC. In April, Peter announced he had officially changed his birth date to November 30, and more recently accused Paul of attempting to damage his reputation.
In August, Peter accused Jude of excluding him from proceeds of the music catalogue, including a $25,000 payment, and claimed he was not a signatory to a key royalty account. Jude has denied all allegations, while Paul has distanced himself from the dispute.
