Nigerian music icon Peter Okoye, one half of the famous P-Square duo, has publicly addressed what he described as decades of betrayal and manipulation within his family, shortly after testifying against his elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, in a Federal High Court in Lagos.
Okoye, in a candid Instagram Story post on Tuesday, stated that he remained silent for over 20 years to protect family ties but has now chosen to prioritize his mental health. “Don’t let ‘family’ be the reason you’re drowning in silence,” he wrote. “I did – for over 20 years and it almost cost me everything. But now I know better – love doesn’t manipulate, loyalty doesn’t betray, and family doesn’t steal from you.”
His remarks come in the wake of an ongoing legal case in which Jude Okoye is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering and the diversion of royalties totaling over ₦1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59. Jude is being tried alongside his company, Northside Music Limited.
Testifying as the EFCC’s first prosecution witness, Peter revealed that Jude allegedly created a company with a name nearly identical to their former label, Northside Entertainment Ltd, but registered it under his wife’s name. “I found out Jude had incorporated another company, Northside Music Ltd… and he was using it to collect our royalties,” Peter told the court.
He added that Jude’s wife holds 80% of the company’s shares while Jude controls the remaining 20%. According to Peter, the discovery of financial discrepancies came after the group’s initial split in 2017 and their eventual reunion in 2021.
Upon identifying inconsistencies in royalty payments, Peter sought legal counsel and, through his lawyer, petitioned the EFCC, which led to Jude’s arraignment. The court has adjourned the case to June 4 for cross-examination.
The legal battle has reignited longstanding tensions among the Okoye brothers. In an earlier interview with City FM in 2024, Paul Okoye (Rudeboy) claimed that Peter had petitioned both him and Jude to the EFCC, suggesting the fallout was deeply personal. While Peter denied targeting Paul, he insisted his petition was strictly about the alleged financial misconduct by Jude and his wife, Ifeoma.
Peter’s Tuesday post seemed to underline his resolve: “My sanity matters. My mental health is a priority. If it costs my mental health, then it’s too expensive.”
The case continues to stir public and fan interest, with many expressing disappointment over the unraveling of one of Africa’s most successful music families.
