EFCC and Cubana Chief Priest to Reach Out-of-Court Settlement in Naira Abuse Case »

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and celebrity barman Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, have agreed to settle the naira abuse charge through an out-of-court arrangement. This resolution was revealed during the court proceedings that resumed on Thursday.

Cubana Chief Priest appeared before Justice Kehinde Ogundare, where he faced three counts related to the improper handling of the national currency at a social event. These actions are in violation of the Central Bank Act of 2007.

During the court session on Thursday, Cubana Chief Priest’s lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court that the parties were considering a settlement and had requested to resolve the matter under the provisions of Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.

The EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, confirmed that discussions for a settlement were ongoing and that the application for settlement was still under consideration.

During the arraignment, the EFCC had informed the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence on February 13, 2024, by spraying Naira notes at the Eko Hotel while dancing at a social event.

The commission further stated that Cubana Chief Priest, while dancing at the social gathering, intentionally tampered with currency in the denomination of N500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying them for a period of two hours.

According to the anti-graft agency, this action contravenes and is punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.