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Peter Okoye Testifies to Receiving Over $800,000 in P-Square Royalties Amid Fraud Dispute with Jude Okoye
•2 min read•1 source
In a significant development within the ongoing legal battle involving the legendary Nigerian music duo P-Square, Peter Okoye has testified before a Lagos Federal High Court regarding the receipt of over $800,000 in music royalties. The testimony was part of a larger case involving allegations of fraud against Jude Okoye, the brothers' former manager and elder sibling. Peter, also known as Mr. P, admitted to the court that these funds were paid by SACEM, a French collective management organization that handles rights for songwriters and music publishers, covering a period between 2016 and 2026. The core of the testimony centered on whether Jude Okoye was entitled to a share of these international royalties. Peter Okoye clarified that the payments were specifically intended for the recording artists and songwriters, which he asserted only included himself and his twin brother, Paul Okoye. According to Peter, Jude was intentionally not informed about the SACEM payments because, in his view, the manager's role did not qualify him for a portion of the royalties collected by the French organization. This distinction forms a critical part of the defense against claims of financial mismanagement or entitlement within the family business structure. Peter further denied allegations that Jude had any legitimate claim to these specific funds, reiterating that the identity of P-Square is limited strictly to the two performing twins. This legal confrontation comes at a time when Jude Okoye is already facing fraud charges, adding another layer of complexity to the long-standing and highly publicized rift between the brothers. The dispute highlights the often-complicated nature of intellectual property rights and management contracts within the African music industry, especially when professional and familial lines are blurred. The presiding judge has adjourned the case until December 8 and 9, 2026, for further hearings. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome is expected to set a precedent for how music royalties and management fees are distributed among legacy acts in Nigeria and beyond. Fans and industry stakeholders remain focused on the trial, which continues to provide a rare, detailed look into the financial intricacies of one of Africa’s most successful musical groups.
