Pascal Okechukwu, alias Cubana Chief Priest, a well-known figure in the bartending and business world, is currently in discussions with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the allegation of Naira abuse leveled against him. His legal representative, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, informed Justice Kehinde Ogundare at the Federal High Court session on Thursday about their intent for an out-of-court settlement.
Chikaosolu highlighted that both parties have expressed interest in resolving the matter as per the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act. Pending confirmation from the EFCC, they proposed withdrawing the defense’s initial objection to pave the way for an amicable resolution.
Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, the EFCC prosecutor, acknowledged the stance presented by the defense and informed the court of the ongoing consideration of the application. Subsequently, upon the defense’s request for the withdrawal of the preliminary objection, the court granted the request, with no objections from the prosecution.
Justice Ogundare adjourned the proceedings until June 5 to await further developments on the settlement progress.
Earlier in April, Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned by the EFCC on three counts related to the alleged spraying and mishandling of Naira notes at a social gathering held at the Eko Hotel in Lagos. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail under specific conditions, including a bail sum of N10 million and provision of two sureties meeting certain criteria.
These sureties must be gainfully employed by either the Federal or State Government, holding positions not lower than grade level 16, and possess landed property within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, the authenticity of the property documents must be verified by both the prosecution and the court. Cubana Chief Priest also surrendered his travel passport to the court’s custody.
While awaiting the fulfillment of bail conditions within seven days, he was released to his legal representative, who undertook to ensure his presence in court for trial. Failure to comply would result in remandment in a correctional facility.
It’s worth noting that in a separate incident in April, the EFCC similarly arraigned another public figure, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, on comparable charges, resulting in a six-month jail sentence.
