Peter Okoye of the defunct music group Psquare has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from French music rights body SACEM but did not share the money with his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
Peter gave the evidence virtually on Monday while being cross-examined by Jude’s lawyer, Clement Onwuewunor (SAN), before Justice Alexander Owoeye.
Jude and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing trial over alleged N1.3 billion and $1 million fraud charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge.
Peter was questioned about his claim that Jude delayed providing Psquare’s royalty records after a 2022 request. He admitted he had no message or document showing he requested the records before October 16, 2022, while confirming Jude sent them on October 22.
Peter said SACEM payments belonged to him and Paul, despite Jude signing the SACEM contract on behalf of “the team”.
Asked why he did not inform Jude about the money, Peter said, “No, the money was for the artistes”.
He also told the court, “Jude is not part of Psquare”.
Nigerians online are expressing shock and disillusionment over Peter’s claim that he received royalties, contradicting his social media claims that he never received royalties and that he was being cheated by his brothers.
The case was adjourned to December 8 and 9, 2026.
