Peter Okoye, former member of music duo Psquare, has admitted receiving more than $800,000 in royalties from French music rights organisation SACEM for Psquare songs.
Peter made the disclosure on Monday while testifying before the Federal High Court in Lagos in the fraud case involving his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
Jude and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N1.3 billion and $1 million fraud. He has pleaded not guilty.
During cross-examination by Jude’s counsel, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, Peter acknowledged receiving the SACEM payments between 2016 and 2026 but said he did not give any of the money to Jude.
He maintained that the royalties belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, because they were the artistes behind the songs.
Peter also acknowledged that Jude had sent him royalty records covering 2016 to 2022 after he requested them in connection with discussions involving potential buyers of the Psquare music catalogue.
However, he disagreed with the claim that Jude was entitled to royalties paid through SACEM, despite acknowledging that the SACEM agreement was signed by Jude.
When asked why he did not inform Jude about the payments, Peter said: “No, the money was for the artistes.”
Peter further maintained that Jude was not a member of Psquare, although he acknowledged that Jude managed the group and directed some of its music videos.
He also admitted that he had previously paid Jude a quarter of his SACEM share, but denied that Jude was entitled to continued quarterly payments after their reconciliation in 2022.
Peter could not produce a text message, email or other document showing that he had requested the royalty records before October 16, 2022, as he had earlier claimed. He told the court he could not recall having such evidence.
The court adjourned further hearing in the case to December 8 and 9, 2026.
Psquare, comprising Peter and Paul Okoye, became one of Africa’s most successful music groups before splitting in 2017. The brothers reunited in 2021 but split again in 2024 amid renewed disagreements.