Mr P Admits Receiving Over $800,000 in P-Square Royalties

Singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P and one half of the defunct music duo P-Square, has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from French music rights organisation SACEM for songs recorded by the group.

Peter made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye during cross-examination by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel to his elder brother, Jude Okoye.

Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing a seven-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving alleged fraud of N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the proceedings, Peter was questioned about his earlier claim that Jude had taken more than three months to provide P-Square's backend royalty records after he requested them in 2022.

Counsel told him that the request was made on October 16, 2022, and that Jude obtained and sent the records six days later, on October 22. When asked to provide a message, email or other evidence showing that he had made the request earlier, Peter admitted that he had none and could not recall.

Peter confirmed that he received the royalty report, which covered payments from 2016 to 2022, including records relating to Lex Records. He said he had requested the information because some people were interested in acquiring the P-Square music catalogue.

The cross-examination later focused on royalties paid through SACEM. Peter disputed Jude's entitlement to the money, maintaining that the payments belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye.

When counsel pointed out that the SACEM contract had been signed by Jude rather than Peter or Paul, Peter maintained that it was signed on behalf of “the team” and insisted that Jude was not part of the group. He also confirmed that the 10 songs associated with the SACEM payments were P-Square songs.

Peter acknowledged that he had previously paid Jude 25 per cent of his SACEM share, but disputed the suggestion that Jude was entitled to continued quarterly payments after the royalties were reconciled in 2022.

When confronted with the claim that he had received approximately $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, Peter admitted receiving the money.

He, however, maintained that the funds belonged to the artistes and said he did not give Jude any share.

Asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter replied: “No, the money was for the artists.”

On Jude's role as P-Square's manager, Peter said they had no employment contract, explaining that their business arrangement operated through Northside Entertainment Limited.

Asked whether Jude was a member of P-Square, Peter replied: “Jude is not part of P-Square.”

Peter maintained that he and Paul composed, wrote and produced P-Square's songs, while acknowledging that Jude directed some of the group's music videos.

The court adjourned further hearing in the case until December 8 and 9, 2026.