Fresh reactions have continued to trail singer Peter Okoye’s disclosure in court that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from French music rights organisation SACEM for P-Square songs without sharing the money with his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
Peter made the disclosure while testifying virtually before the Federal High Court in Lagos during cross-examination by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel to Jude.
Peter maintained that the money belonged to the performing artists, himself and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, and that Jude was not entitled to a share. He also said he did not inform Jude about the payments because, in his view, “the money was for the artists.”
The testimony has generated fresh debate online, with some social media users questioning why Peter did not publicly disclose the royalty payments earlier, while others argued that Jude's role as manager did not automatically make him entitled to artists' royalties.
One social media user, Just Eniola, said Peter should have disclosed the $800,000 publicly, arguing that previous videos about the dispute had created an impression among members of the public that he was being financially shortchanged.
She also questioned why Jude would seek a share of the money if his role was that of a manager.
Another user, identified as Vampz, defended Peter's account, arguing that the courtroom revelation was consistent with what the singer had previously said about his financial disagreements with members of his family.
The reactions came alongside criticism from controversial social commentator VeryDarkman, who questioned the decision of some members of the public to take sides in the dispute without hearing all sides of the story.
According to Legit.ng, VeryDarkman said Peter's courtroom testimony showed why he had previously avoided taking a definitive position in the family dispute. He urged people who had criticised him for remaining neutral to reconsider their views.
During the hearing, Peter acknowledged receiving the SACEM payments and confirmed that the royalties covered P-Square songs.
He maintained that Jude was not part of P-Square, although he acknowledged that his elder brother directed some of the group's music videos.
Peter also said he and Paul wrote, composed and produced the group's songs, while explaining that their business relationship with Jude operated through Northside Entertainment Limited rather than a direct employment contract.
He further acknowledged that he had previously paid Jude 25 per cent of his SACEM earnings but disputed any continuing entitlement after the brothers' accounts were reconciled in 2022.
The royalty dispute is part of the wider legal battle involving Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting Jude and the company on a seven-count charge involving alleged fraud of ₦1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty, and the allegations remain before the court.
The latest testimony has therefore become another major point of discussion in the long-running dispute involving the Okoye brothers, with supporters of Peter and Jude continuing to debate the financial arrangements surrounding P-Square's music catalogue and royalties.
Further hearing in the case has been adjourned to December 8 and 9, 2026.
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