Social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has reacted to singer Peter Okoye’s admission before a Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from French music rights organisation SACEM.
Peter, one half of the defunct P-Square music duo, made the disclosure while testifying virtually during cross-examination by counsel to his elder brother, Jude Okoye.
According to reports from the proceedings, Peter confirmed that he received the royalties but maintained that the money belonged to the performing artists — himself and his twin brother, Paul Okoye and that he did not give any portion of the proceeds to Jude.
Asked whether he informed Jude about the payments, Peter reportedly replied that he did not, maintaining that “the money was for the artists.”
Peter also disputed Jude’s position within P-Square, saying his elder brother was not a member of the group, although he acknowledged that Jude directed some of their music videos.
Reacting to the development in a video shared on social media, VeryDarkMan questioned people who had previously criticised him for refusing to take sides in the dispute involving Peter, Paul and Jude.
He argued that the courtroom testimony demonstrated the risks of relying on one side of a family or business dispute before all the facts are examined.
VeryDarkMan said he had initially considered supporting Jude's position but decided to investigate further rather than immediately backing either side.
He also challenged content creators and supporters who had previously defended Peter to give the same attention to the singer's courtroom admission.
“Be careful of a one-sided story,” VeryDarkMan said, according to reports of his reaction.
The social commentator further discussed what he described as the royalty-sharing arrangement involving Peter, Paul and Jude, although those details represent his account and interpretation of the dispute rather than findings by the court.
During the hearing, Peter maintained that the SACEM payments were intended for the artists.
He acknowledged that he had previously paid Jude a quarter of his SACEM earnings but disputed any continuing entitlement after the royalties were reconciled in 2022. He also said the SACEM payments related to 10 P-Square songs.
The testimony forms part of the ongoing criminal case against Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 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 to the charges, and the allegations remain before the court.
The case has generated considerable public debate because of the long-running dispute between the Okoye brothers over music royalties, management and the financial affairs surrounding P-Square.
Further proceedings have been adjourned until December 8 and 9, 2026.
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