JUST IN: Court Dismisses Naira Abuse Case Against Cubana Chief Priest

The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has struck out the charges against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, for alleged abuse of the Naira.

The presiding judge, Justice Kehinde Ogundare, dismissed the case on Tuesday, June 25, following the adoption of terms of settlement by both parties involved.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Okechukwu on April 17 on a three-count charge. The charges involved the alleged spraying and tampering with Naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos. Okechukwu pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.

On May 2, the defense counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court of ongoing settlement discussions, invoking Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act. This led to the withdrawal of a preliminary objection by the defense, with no opposition from the prosecution. The case was subsequently adjourned to June 5 for a settlement report.

Due to the defense counsel’s absence on June 5, the court postponed the proceedings to June 25. At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari and defense counsel Ojukwu jointly adopted the terms of settlement filed on June 24.

Justice Ogundare, in a brief ruling, acknowledged the settlement agreement and dismissed the case. The agreement included a caution to the defendant and several obligations for Okechukwu, including:

• Entering a bond with the EFCC to maintain good behavior and avoid economic and financial crimes.
• Conducting a public sensitization campaign against the abuse of Naira notes.
• Posting bi-monthly video clips on social media to promote the campaign.
• Paying N10 million to the consolidated revenue fund of the federation.

The case centered on Okechukwu’s alleged tampering with Naira notes of N500 denomination during a social event, which violated Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.