Lagos socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly called “Cubana Chief Priest,” has been freed by a court of a Naira abuse case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commision (EFCC).
However, the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos ordered the celebrity bartender and businessman to forfeit the sum of ₦10 million to the Federal Government as a fine in lieu of the charge made against him for the alleged abuse of the Naira.
This formed part of the terms of settlement agreement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), adopted before the trial Judge, Justice Kehinde Ogundare, on Tuesday.
Sharing the news on his Instagram page Tuesday, Cubana wrote:
‘’Thank You God As My Case Is Struck Out, CP The Defendant Is Cautioned & Discharged. Thank You @officialefcc & My Legal Team Being Headed By Chikaosolu Ojukwu Senior Advocate Of 🇳🇬 Now Let’s Get Straight To The Venue For #ChiVido2024 With Composure & Steeze. NB: Pls Don’t Mutilate Naira You If There Be Need Better Do It In Dollars.”
The EFCC April 17 arraigned had Cubana before the court on a three-count charge of spraying and tampering with Naira notes.
He was shown on video performing the act at a social event at the Eko hotel in Lagos shown.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million with two responsible sureties in like sum each.
They later opted for the out-of-court settlement.
At the proceedings, Counsel for the EFCC, Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, informed the court that parties in the charge entered into a duly signed out of-court settlement.
This was contained in the terms of settlement agreement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which was adopted before the trial judge, Justice Kehinde Ogundare on Tuesday.
At the proceedings, Counsel for the EFCC, Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, informed the court that parties in the charge entered into the out of-court settlement and same was duly signed by both parties.
Confirming the terms, Cubana Chief Priest’s counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu SAN, said the defendant was remorseful and promised to turn over a new leaf going forward.
Justice Ogundare in his short ruling adopted the terms of settlement and consequently struck out the charge.
The terms of settlement agreement pursuant to Section 14 (2) of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004, read: “The agreement applies only to the findings relating to contraventions of the law contained tn the pending charge preferred against the defendant.
“The defendant thall enter into a bond with the EFCC to be of good behaviour and never indulge in any Economic and Financial Crime or related offences.
“The Defendant shall engage in rigorous and intensive sensitisation and/or campaign against the abuse of coins and notes issued under the CBN Act as legal tender.
“The defendant shall bi-monthly post on his various social media handles a minimum of two video clips of his sensitisation/campaign against abuse of naira and sundry offences.
“The Defendant shall pay to the consolidated revenue fund of Federation such sum not below the sum of Ten million naira (N10,000,000:00) only upon the execution of this agreement.”
