Peter Okoye Speaks on 20 Years of Betrayal, Family Drama

Nigerian music star Peter Okoye of the legendary duo P-Square has opened up about enduring over 20 years of betrayal, manipulation, and emotional strain, emphasizing the importance of mental health and self-prioritization.

Taking to 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.”

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 emotional post follows his recent court testimony in a high-profile money laundering case at the Federal High Court in Lagos. His elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly diverting royalties belonging to P-Square.

According to Peter, Jude secretly incorporated a company named Northside Music Ltd—strikingly similar to their former 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.

He said he began noticing irregularities in royalty payments after P-Square’s disbandment in 2017. Following a reunion in 2021, discrepancies led Peter to contact his lawyer, who petitioned the EFCC. The case was adjourned to June 4 for cross-examination.

Tensions between the Okoye brothers have long been public, dating back to 2015. While Peter denies involving Paul in the EFCC petition, Paul, also known as Rudeboy, has stood by Jude, stating:

“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.”

As the legal battle continues, Peter’s bold revelations shed new light on the decade-long rift within one of Africa’s most iconic music groups.