The long-running dispute within the Okoye family has taken another dramatic turn, with singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, testifying in court against his elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, over an alleged multi-billion-naira fraud linked to P-Square’s music royalties.
The case, being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the Federal High Court in Lagos, centres on allegations that Jude and his company, Northside Music Limited, diverted proceeds belonging to the defunct music duo. The anti-graft agency accused the defendants of laundering and unlawfully handling about ₦1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59 generated from the group’s catalogue.
According to Peter’s testimony, the dispute began after he discovered that a separate company, Northside Music Limited, had been registered without his knowledge while royalties from digital streaming platforms were allegedly being paid into accounts outside the original P-Square business structure. Brandspur Brand News gathered that Peter maintained the company was registered in the name of Jude’s wife, while he had also been removed as a signatory to their joint business accounts.
Peter told the court that his petition to the EFCC was directed at Jude and the company’s financial dealings, insisting it was never intended as an attack on his twin brother, Paul Okoye, also known as Rudeboy.
Jude, however, has denied all allegations. He insists Northside Music Limited was a legitimate business entity and that every payment received was consistent with existing management agreements reached while he handled the group’s affairs. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and continues to challenge the prosecution’s claims in court.
The legal battle has further widened the rift between the famous brothers. While Peter has publicly defended his decision to involve the EFCC and recently released videos explaining his position, Paul has openly backed Jude, accompanied him during court proceedings and criticised Peter’s decision to take what he describes as a family disagreement before law enforcement.
Once celebrated as one of Africa’s biggest music groups, P-Square reunited in 2021 after years apart. However, the renewed relationship eventually collapsed, giving way to fresh disagreements over finances, management and ownership of the group’s music catalogue.
With the trial continuing, the outcome could shape not only the financial future of the parties involved but also the ownership and control of one of Nigeria’s most successful music catalogues. The proceedings have also kept public attention firmly fixed on a family feud that has evolved from private disagreements into one of the country’s most closely watched entertainment court cases.
