‘Real Family Doesn’t Manipulate,’ Peter Okoye Says After Testifying Against Brother In Court.
Nigerian music star Peter Okoye of the legendary duo, P-Square, has opened up about enduring over two decades of betrayal and manipulation, stating that he is now prioritising his mental health. In a post on his Instagram story on Tuesday, Peter wrote, “Don’t let ‘family’ be the reason you’re drowning in silence. 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.” Peter added that any family that steals, discriminates or ignores one’s pain isn’t family. He added, “Family that steals and breaks you isn’t family at all. Real family doesn’t drain you, shame you, discriminate against you, or ignore your pain. “My sanity matters. My mental health is a priority. If it costs my mental health, then it’s too expensive.” Peter’s post comes after he testified in a high-profile case before the Federal High Court in Lagos, where his older brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, stands accused of money laundering and the alleged diversion of royalties belonging to P-Square. Jude Okoye is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N1.38 bn, $1M, and £34,537.59, alongside his company, Northside Music Limited. PUNCH reports that Peter narrated at the court on Monday how his older brother, Jude, secretly registered a new company in his wife’s name and used it to divert royalties belonging to the defunct music group, P-Square. Testifying as the first prosecution witness, Peter revealed that Jude incorporated Northside Music Ltd, a name strikingly similar to their original company, Northside Entertainment Ltd, without informing him or his twin brother, Paul. “I found out Jude had incorporated another company, Northside Music Ltd similar to our original Northside Entertainment Ltd and he was using it to collect our royalties. “He and his wife are the only directors. She owns 80 per cent and he owns 20 per cent,” Peter testified. Peter added that he began discovering discrepancies in their financial dealings, particularly around royalty payments, after P-Square disbanded in 2017 and reunited in 2021. Following these discoveries, he contacted his lawyer, identified as Afolabi, who then petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The court adjourned the case to June 4 for cross-examination. The feud between the Okoye brothers reportedly dates back to 2015, when tensions within P-Square became public. In 2017, the duo officially began pursuing solo careers with fans remaining hopeful for a reunion, especially after they collaborated on Jaiye and Find Somebody in 2022 and performed together publicly. However, in August 2024, Paul confirmed their split during an interview with City FM radio where he alleged that Peter had petitioned both him and Jude to the EFCC, leading to their invitation for questioning. In response, Peter denied reporting Paul to the anti-graft agency but maintained that his petition was aimed at exposing the betrayal he suffered from Jude and his wife, Ifeoma. The case also stirred internal tensions within the Okoye family, when Peter’s twin brother, Paul, a.k.a. Rudeboy, publicly defended Jude and accused Peter of being the mastermind behind the legal troubles. Recall that in February, Paul stated that he would not abandon his elder brother as he stands on the side of truth. “The truth is, Peter is the one putting Jude through these things. It’s Peter who is doing these. I’m only standing for the truth because the same crime that they accused him of doing, then Peter is guilty, Paul is also guilty too,” Paul said.