The long-running dispute within the P-Square family has escalated, with singer Peter Okoye (Mr P) alleging that nearly $1.2 million in music royalties was diverted between 2017 and 2023 without his knowledge or benefit.
The claims were made in recent public statements and form part of an ongoing legal battle, including a case before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving Jude Okoye and Northside Music Limited.
Peter alleged that royalties meant for the group’s original company, Northside Entertainment Ltd, were redirected to a separate entity, Northside Music Ltd, which he said he and his twin brother Paul were not involved in.
“Documents showed aggregators paid roughly $1.2 million… and I received nothing,” Peter stated, describing the situation as “pure betrayal.”
He further claimed that Northside Music Ltd was incorporated around 2015 with a structure that gave Jude’s wife a majority stake, while he and Paul were allegedly excluded from ownership and financial oversight.
The dispute has become central to EFCC proceedings, where Jude Okoye and his company face charges related to alleged financial misconduct involving sums reported across filings to include about $1 million, £34,537 and over ₦1.3 billion.
Court records have highlighted disagreements over company ownership, bank account control and royalty flows, with Peter serving as a key prosecution witness.
However, the defence has challenged aspects of his testimony, including discrepancies in shareholding claims and interpretations of company structures, while the EFCC has indicated that not all publicly cited figures are fully supported by its evidence.
In response, Jude Okoye has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that Northside Music Ltd is not a secret entity and has been registered for years. He insisted he is entitled to his share of royalties under existing agreements.
“Northside Music has been registered for 9 years… Peter needs help and prayer,” Jude said in reaction to the allegations.
Paul Okoye, the other half of the P-Square duo, has largely aligned with Jude in public statements and has also been invited by the EFCC in connection with related financial transactions, though the charges primarily target Jude and his company.
The dispute traces back to the group’s initial split in 2017 over management and financial disagreements, followed by a brief reunion in 2021 and a renewed fallout that has since evolved into legal and public confrontations.
Despite the allegations and counterclaims, no final court ruling has been reached, and proceedings remain ongoing, with further hearings expected.
The case continues to draw public attention, raising broader questions about music royalties, intellectual property rights and corporate governance within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
