Nigerian music star Peter Okoye, one half of the now-defunct P-Square, is currently embroiled in a significant legal battle involving allegations of providing false statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This contentious situation unfolds against a backdrop of a royalty rift with his brothers, Jude and Paul Okoye, and concerns about company finances.

During a heated cross-examination at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, before Justice Alexander Owoeye, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Clement Onwuenwunor accused Peter Okoye of deliberately misleading EFCC investigators on several key issues. The trial focuses on fraud allegations related to royalties and company finances.

One major point of contention was Peter Okoye's educational qualifications. Onwuenwunor highlighted a discrepancy where Peter claimed in his EFCC statement to be a graduate of the University of Abuja. However, the SAN asserted that records indicated Peter had dropped out at the 100 level. In response, Peter stated he attended the University of Abuja but dropped out at the 300 level and subsequently took a transcript to the University of Science and Technology (UST), Port Harcourt. When questioned, Peter admitted he did not possess a certificate from UST to prove graduation.

The intensity of the cross-examination led Justice Owoeye to caution Peter Okoye for his tone and conduct during the questioning, warning him against disrespecting the court and speaking rudely to the counsel. Peter's lawyer, M.K. Bashir, also reportedly intervened multiple times to restrain his client.

Further contradictions emerged regarding the ownership structure of Northside Music Limited. Peter Okoye had testified that Jude Okoye’s wife, Ifeoma, owned 80 percent of the company, with Jude holding the remaining 20 percent. However, the defence counsel presented the company’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration certificate, which allegedly showed the reverse: Jude Okoye holding 80 percent and his wife 20 percent.

Peter Okoye's claim that he was not a signatory to Northside Music Ltd’s bank accounts, and that Jude alone managed them, was also challenged. Onwuenwunor presented a signed account mandate listing Jude as a Category A signatory, while both Peter and his twin brother Paul Okoye were listed as Category B signatories, suggesting they had access to the accounts.

Additionally, the defence tendered Ecobank statements as Exhibit P, which reportedly showed royalty payments from Lex Records being routed through Mad Solutions Ltd., the firm managing P-Square’s music catalogue. SAN Onwuenwunor argued that Peter Okoye's numerous contradictions were a calculated attempt to distort the facts and mislead both the EFCC and the court.

In response to the unfolding legal drama and accusations, Peter Okoye took to social media to release statements. He asserted he was wrongly accused of misleading the EFCC’s investigation and vowed to continue speaking his truth. He cited the public reaction and events following the death of fellow musician Mohbad as a significant factor in his decision to be more outspoken, stating, 'After watching everything about Mohbad's death and how the whole thing played out to date, I decided to myself that I would never play the bigger person nor act as the mature one. And that's exactly what led to this whole madness. Simply because I was trying to be the bigger person and act maturely! Omo! Never again.'

Peter Okoye further expressed his defiance with statements like, 'I am not MayD or Cynthia Morgan; I am PETER OKOYE, the one and only THE ROCK/OKWUTE of the Okoyes. The truth shall surely prevail #UnaThiefAbiUnaNoThief #FamilyDoesNotStealFromFamily.' These public declarations have garnered varied reactions from the public.

The current legal proceedings are intertwined with a broader royalty dispute among the Okoye brothers. It was also reported that Peter Okoye had previously testified against his elder brother, Jude Okoye, in connection with an alleged N1.38 billion fraud, for which Jude had been arrested and detained by the EFCC at one point.

Justice Alexander Owoeye has adjourned the trial to October 23 and November 10, 2025, for the continuation of the cross-examination and trial proceedings.