Popular Nigerian figure in the nightlife scene, Cubana Chief Priest, has entered a plea of not guilty regarding accusations related to mishandling the Nigerian currency, the naira.
After his plea, the court granted him bail amounting to N10 million.
Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented a three-count charge against the social media personality on Tuesday.
Cubana, whose real name is Pascal Okechukwu, is accused of improperly using and altering the naira during a social gathering, a violation of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
He appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday to face these charges.
The charges allege that on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel, Cubana tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 by spraying them for two hours, contravening Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.
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Similarly, the accusations extend to events in 2020 and January 2024 in Lagos, where he engaged in similar actions, also violating the same section of the Act.
Despite the charges, Cubana Chief Priest pleaded not guilty.
In response to his plea, the court granted him bail amounting to ₦10 million. This bail requires two responsible sureties, each in a like sum, who must hold positions not below grade level 16 in either the federal or state government, and possess verified landed property.
Cubana Chief Priest is also required to surrender his travel passport to the court as part of the bail conditions, which must be fulfilled within seven days. In the meantime, he has been released into the custody of his lawyer, who must ensure his appearance in court as required.
This development follows the EFCC’s recent conviction of well-known personality Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, on similar charges, resulting in a six-month imprisonment sentence.
