EFCC, Cubana Chief Priest consider out-of-court settlement over naira abuse

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and celebrity barman, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, have decided on out-of-court settlement of the naira abuse charge against Cubana.

The out-of-court settlement was disclosed when the proceedings resumed on Thursday.

Recall that in a related incident, cross-dresser, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, was sentenced to six months imprisonment in April without the option of a fine for abusing naira.

Cubana Chief Priest had appeared before Justice Kehinde Ogundare, facing three counts related to abusing the national currency at a social gathering.

These action violates the Central Bank Act of 2007.

He allegedly sprayed and tampered with the naira notes during a social event at the Eko Hotel in Lagos.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him and was granted bail in the sum of N10m.

The judge then adjourned the case until May 2, 2024.

When the matter was called on Thursday, Cubana Chief Priest’s counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) informed the court that the parties are exploring settlement and have applied that the matter be settled under the provisions of Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.

EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, confirmed that the parties were discussing a settlement and that the application was still being considered.

EFCC had, during arraignment, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence on February 13, 2024.