The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and celebrity barman, Pascal Okechukwu, famously known as Cubana Chief Priest, have come to an agreement to resolve the naira abuse charge outside of court. This decision came to light during the resumed proceedings on Thursday.
Cubana Chief Priest, appearing before Justice Kehinde Ogundare, faced three counts related to abusing the national currency at a social gathering, a violation of the Central Bank Act of 2007. Allegedly, he sprayed and tampered with naira notes during an event at the Eko Hotel in Lagos. Despite pleading not guilty, he was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.
Justice Ogundare gave Okechukwu seven days to fulfill the bail conditions, warning of remand at the Nigeria Correctional Service otherwise. The case was adjourned until May 2, 2024, for further proceedings.
During the recent court session, Cubana Chief Priest’s counsel informed the court about the parties’ intent to settle the matter under the provisions of Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act. The EFCC’s prosecution counsel confirmed the ongoing discussions regarding a settlement.
According to the EFCC, the alleged offence occurred on February 13, 2024, at the Eko Hotel, where Cubana Chief Priest sprayed naira notes for an extended period. The commission argued that such actions contravene Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.
We should be reminded that a similar incident, cross-dresser, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, faced legal consequences for naira abuse, receiving a six-month imprisonment sentence in April without the option of a fine.
This has got people talking about the Extent of Selective Justice, a conviction which have been termed malicious targeted at Bobrisky’s Cross Dressing and not the Naira Abuse per se. In our opinion Bobrisky would have been fined instead of Conviction because he is a first time offender and the offence was a simple offence common among the Nigerian people in fact it is a culture.
Kodos to the Lawyers of Cubana Chief Priest having livraged on the corridors of the Law as available option to get Chief Priest out of this case. The EFCC’s decision to settle out of court marks a significant development in this case. As the Settlement Continues we would continue to bring you update as the case develops.
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