Peter Okoye, a member of the defunct music duo Psquare, has admitted receiving more than $800,000 in royalties from SACEM, a French music rights organisation, but said he gave nothing to his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
Peter spoke on Monday while testifying virtually before Alexander Owoeye, a federal high court judge in Lagos. Clement Onwuewunor (SAN), Jude’s counsel, cross-examined him.
Jude and his company, Northside Music Limited, are facing trial over alleged N1.3 billion and $1 million fraud brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They have pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge.
Peter disputes Jude’s royalty claim.
During the hearing, Peter faced questions about Psquare’s backend royalty records.
He had earlier claimed that Jude took more than three months to provide the records after he requested them in 2022.
Jude’s counsel said Peter requested them on October 16, 2022. He said Jude obtained and sent the records six days later, on October 22.
Peter disagreed and maintained that he made the request earlier in 2022.
However, when asked to produce a text message, email or document to support his claim, Peter said: “No. I don’t have any, and I can’t recall”.
Peter confirmed that he received the royalty report from Jude. He also acknowledged that it covered royalties from 2016 to 2022, including records linked to Lex Records.
The singer said he requested the report because some parties were interested in buying the Psquare music catalogue.
He also admitted that Jude sent him the account information in 2022. Peter confirmed that the EFCC knew Jude had sent him the report.
Peter, however, disputed Jude’s entitlement to royalties paid through SACEM. He maintained that the money belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye.
Peter acknowledged that Jude signed the SACEM contract. He insisted, however, that Jude signed it as part of “the team” and was not part of Psquare.
‘The money was for the artistes’
Peter confirmed that he had previously paid a quarter of his SACEM share to Jude.
He denied that Jude demanded quarterly payments after their reconciliation in 2022.
When asked about receiving approximately $800,000 from SACEM between 2016 and 2026, Peter admitted receiving the money. He said he gave nothing to Jude because the money belonged to him and Paul.
Asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter answered: “No, the money was for the artistes”.
Peter also said he had no employment contract with Jude as Psquare’s manager. He explained that the arrangement was through Northside Entertainment Limited.
Asked whether Jude was part of Psquare, Peter replied: “Jude is not part of Psquare”.
Peter maintained that he and Paul composed, wrote and produced all of Psquare’s songs. He acknowledged that Jude directed some of the group’s music videos.
Leave a Reply