Alleged Naira abuse: Cubana Chief Priest, EFCC opts for out of court settlement
A Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed June 5 for report of settlement in a case against celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, over alleged abuse of the naira.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 17 arraigned Okechukwu on a three-count charge of spraying and tampering with naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.
Justice Kehinde Ogundare had then adjourned the case to May 2, for hearing of preliminary objection and commencement of trial.
When the case was called on Thursday, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution, while Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), announced appearance for the defendant.
The defence counsel informed the court that the parties were exploring a settlement and have applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
He told the court that if the prosecution confirmed the position as true, there would be a need to apply for a withdrawal of the defence’s preliminary objection and allow for reconciliation.
In response, the prosecutor confirmed the position as stated by the defence counsel and told the court that the application was still being considered.
Following the position, the defence counsel applied for a withdrawal of the preliminary objection since there was no objection from the prosecution, and the court granted the same.
The court, consequently, adjourned the case until June 5, for report of settlement.
In the charge, the defendant was said to have tampered with naira notes of N500 denomination while dancing at a social event in Eko Hotels and Suites, an action that contravenes Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.
The EFCC on April 5 secured the conviction of popular cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, on similar charges for which he was sentenced to six months imprisonment
