Peter Okoye SACEM royalties have become a key issue in a Federal High Court case in Lagos after the singer told the court he received more than $800,000 from France-based music rights organisation SACEM.
Okoye made the disclosure while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye. He faced cross-examination from Clement Onwueunor, SAN, who represents his brother, Jude Okoye.
SACEM collects and distributes royalties to songwriters, composers and music publishers. The payment relates to songs recorded by the former music group, P-Square.
Meanwhile, Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, face a seven-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The charges involve allegations of fraud involving N1.3 billion and $1 million. Jude has pleaded not guilty.
During the hearing, lawyers questioned Peter about his earlier claim that Jude delayed for more than three months before providing P-Square’s royalty records.
Peter had said he requested the records in 2022.
However, his lawyer put it to him that the request came on 16 October 2022. According to the evidence presented in court, Jude obtained and sent the records six days later, on 22 October.
Peter disagreed. He maintained that he had asked for the documents earlier in 2022.
However, the singer could not produce a text message, email or other evidence to support that earlier request.
When asked whether he had any evidence showing that he made the request before 16 October, Peter admitted that he did not.
“No. I don’t have any and I can’t recall,” he told the court.
The testimony has therefore placed the Peter Okoye SACEM royalties at the centre of questions about the management and distribution of P-Square’s music earnings.
The case is continuing, while the allegations against Jude remain before the court. The charges have not been proved, and Jude remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.
