The Federal High Court in Lagos has scheduled June 5 for a report on the settlement progress in the case involving celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, regarding alleged abuse of the naira by EFCC.
Okechukwu was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 17, facing three counts related to spraying and tampering with naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of N10 million.
Justice Kehinde Ogundare had adjourned the case to May 2 for the hearing of preliminary objections and trial. During the recent hearing, Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution, and Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) represented the defendant.
The defence counsel informed the court that the parties were considering a settlement under Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act. He stated that if the prosecution confirmed this, they would seek to withdraw the preliminary objection and proceed with reconciliation.
The prosecutor confirmed the defence’s position and informed the court that the application for settlement was under consideration. Consequently, the defence requested the withdrawal of the preliminary objection, which was granted by the court.
The court then adjourned the case to June 5 for the report on settlement progress.
The charge against the defendant alleges tampering with N500 denomination funds while dancing at the social event in Eko Hotels and Suites, contravening Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
This development follows the EFCC’s April 5 conviction of popular cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, on similar charges, resulting in a six-month imprisonment.
