Teenager Hospitalised After Suspected Drink Spiking at UK Nightclub

Singer tells Lagos Federal High Court that SACEM royalties were meant for him and twin brother Paul, not their elder brother Jude

Singer Peter Okoye has told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in music royalties from French copyright organisation SACEM but did not share the proceeds with his elder brother, Jude Okoye.

Peter made the disclosure while testifying virtually during cross-examination by defence counsel, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, in the ongoing trial involving Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited.

The case was brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting Jude and his company over alleged financial offences involving about N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the proceedings, Peter was questioned about the royalties received from SACEM, the French organisation responsible for managing and collecting royalties for musical works.

The singer acknowledged receiving more than $800,000 from the rights organisation but maintained that the funds were intended for the performing artistes associated with the music group, Psquare.

According to Peter, the money was meant for himself and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, and was not proceeds that belonged to Jude.

He argued that although Jude had played significant roles in the affairs and management of Psquare at different periods, he was not a member of the musical group and did not have a direct employment contract with the duo.

Peter therefore maintained that there was no basis for him to distribute the SACEM royalties to Jude.

The testimony forms part of the evidence being presented in the criminal proceedings, as the prosecution and defence continue to make their respective cases before the court.

The dispute highlights the complex financial and contractual relationships that can arise between artistes, managers and family members involved in the music industry, particularly where royalty collections, intellectual property and management responsibilities overlap.

The case has attracted significant public attention because of the longstanding professional and family relationship between Peter, Paul and Jude Okoye, who was involved in the management of Psquare during the group’s years of prominence.

The court is expected to continue hearing evidence from the parties as the trial progresses.

Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited remain defendants in the case and are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by the court.