(Updated) Court dismisses naira abuse case against Cubana Chief Priest after N10m settlement, others

The Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed the case against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, known as Cubana Chief Priest, for alleged naira abuse.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had charged him on April 17 with three counts of illegally spraying and mishandling naira notes, violating the Central Bank Act of 2007.

He initially pleaded not guilty and was granted bail for N10 million.

The case took a turn on May 2 when Okechukwu’s lawyer, Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, indicated that both parties were pursuing a settlement under the EFCC Act.

Following negotiations, the defence withdrew their preliminary objection without opposition from the prosecution.

On June 25, Cubana Chief Priest announced via Instagram that the court had struck out his case, cautioning and discharging him.

He expressed gratitude to God, the EFCC, and his legal team, while also warning his followers against naira mutilation.

However,  The PUNCH reports that Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday struck out the charge against Cubana Chief Priest following the adoption of terms of settlement between parties to the suit.

A copy of the terms of settlement provided as follows: “The agreement applies only to the findings relating to contravention of the law contained in the pending charge preferred against the defendant.

“The defendant shall 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 the Federation such sum not below the sum of N10m only upon the execution of this agreement.”