Peter Okoye Testifies He Received Over $800,000 in P‑Square Royalties
Peter Okoye disclosed to a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from France‑based SACEM for P‑Square songs recorded between 2016 and 2022.
In Brief
- •Peter Okoye disclosed to a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from France‑based SACEM for P‑Square songs recorded between 2016 and 2022.
- •The testimony was delivered virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye and cross‑examined by Clement Onwuewunor, representing Jude Okoye.
- •Jude Okoye, the former manager of P‑Square, is facing a seven‑count EFCC charge over alleged fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million.
- •The court adjourned the case to December 8–9, 2026 for further hearings.
- •Peter denied that Jude received any share of the SACEM royalties, asserting the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul.
Why It Matters
The disclosure highlights the complex royalty arrangements within the Nigerian music industry and the legal scrutiny faced by artists and managers. It underscores the role of international rights organisations like SACEM in distributing earnings to African musicians, while also revealing potential conflicts over ownership and profit sharing. The case may set a precedent for how royalty disputes are handled in Nigerian courts and could influence future contractual practices among music groups.
Key Details
- Total Royalties Received
- $800,000+ (reported)
- Court Hearing Date
- 2026-09-22
- Next Hearing Date
- 2026-12-08 to 2026-12-09
- EFCC Charge Count
- 7
- SACEM Agreement Signed By
- Jude Okoye
Context & Background
P‑Square, a Nigerian music duo formed by twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye, has long been a prominent act in African pop music. SACEM, a French music‑rights organisation, collects and distributes royalties to songwriters and publishers worldwide. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is Nigeria’s anti‑corruption agency that investigates financial crimes.
What To Watch
December 8–9, 2026: next Federal High Court hearing on the case
Original Reporting & Sources
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