Cubana Chief Priest vs EFCC: 3 things the socialite must do after dropped naira abuse charges

The court has struck out the charge against celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu aka Cubana Chief Priest over alleged abuse of the Naira.

The charges were dismissed by Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court after the prosecution, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), the counsel to Chief Priest settled.

Recall the socialite was invited and subsequently arraigned on April 17, 2024, on three counts of allegedly spraying and tampering with the Naira notes during a social event at the Eko hotel in Lagos.

Okechukwu pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10m and was released to his lawyer.

On Tuesday when the case was called, EFCC’s prosecutor Bilikisu Buhari informed the court that the prosecution had filed the terms of settlement dated June 24 and adopted the same.

In response, the defense counsel said he agreed with what the prosecutor said and equally adopted the same.

Ojukwu urged the court to make the consequential orders of dismissing the case.

In a short ruling, Justice Ogundare 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,” he said.

Meanwhile, a copy of the terms of settlement which was obtained by newsmen in court 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 sensitization 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,”

In the charge, the defendant was said to have tampered with the funds in the denomination of N500, while dancing at the social event in Eko hotel.