Naira Abuse: Cubana Chief Priest To Pay N10m Fine, Do Online Campaign

The Federal High Court in Lagos State has struck out the Naira abuse case against celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest.

The court struck out the charge following the adoption of terms of settlement between Cubana and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

While ruling on Tuesday, Justice Kehinde Ogundare directed Cubana Chief Priest to pay to the consolidated revenue fund of the Federation such a sum not below the sum of N10 million only upon the execution of this agreement.

The judge also directed him to do bi-monthly posts on his various social media handles a minimum of two video clips of his sensitisation/campaign against abuse of naira and sundry offences.

In a short ruling, the court held that: “Upon the agreement of the prosecution and defence pursuant to the EFCC Establishment Act, the agreement having been presented to the court, this charge is hereby struck out as the defendant is hereby cautioned.

“The agreement applies only to the findings relating to the 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.

READ: Naira Abuse: Unlike Bobrisky, EFCC, Cubana Chief Priest To Settle Out Of Court

“The Defendant shall pay to the consolidated revenue fund of Federation such sum not below the sum of N10 million only upon the execution of this agreement.”

Osun Defender recalls that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Cubana Chief Priest on April 17.

He was charged with three counts of spraying and mishandling naira notes, actions that contravene Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail for N10 million.

The matter was initially adjourned to May 2, where Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, representing Okechukwu, indicated that both parties were seeking a settlement under Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.

Following discussions, the defence counsel requested the withdrawal of a preliminary objection, which was unopposed by the prosecution and subsequently granted by the court.

In a post via his Instagram page, Cubana Chief Priest disclosed that his case was struck out at the hearing today, June 25, and he has been cautioned and discharged.

He also warned his fans and followers against the mutilation of the Naira.

He 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”