Nigerian singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has disclosed that he received more than $800,000 in music royalties from French rights management organisation SACEM during the ongoing legal dispute involving his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
Peter made the disclosure on Monday while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
During cross-examination by Jude’s lawyer, Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, Peter confirmed that he received the royalties but said he did not give any portion of the money to Jude.
According to Peter, the payments were royalties belonging to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, and he did not consider Jude entitled to the funds.
Peter, however, acknowledged that he had previously paid Jude 25 per cent of his SACEM earnings. He told the court that he stopped doing so because he no longer believed Jude had a right to the royalties.
The singer also disputed Jude’s role in P-Square, saying that although Jude signed the SACEM agreement, he did so on behalf of what Peter described as “the team” and was not a member of the musical group.
The court also heard evidence concerning royalty documentation. Peter confirmed that Jude had supplied him with royalty reports covering 2016 to 2022, including records relating to Lex Records.
Peter said he requested the documents because some individuals were considering purchasing the P-Square music catalogue.
When questioned about the timing of the request, Peter initially said he made it earlier in 2022. However, when asked to produce a message, email or other document confirming the request, he said he had none and could not remember the exact details.
The testimony forms part of the ongoing legal battle between the brothers over financial and royalty-related matters connected to their music business.
