The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and a well-known socialite and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest), have reached a settlement outside the court regarding the charge of Naira abuse. The charge was previously brought against him by the anti-graft agency at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
During recent proceedings on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, the lawyer representing Cubana Chief Priest, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court that both his client and the EFCC have requested that the matter be settled in accordance with section 14(2) of the EFCC Act. The lawyer emphasized that if the EFCC confirms this position to be true, it would be necessary to withdraw the defense's preliminary objection to allow for a reconciliation.
The EFCC prosecutor, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, confirmed that the Commission was still considering the defense counsel's application.
After the confirmation, the defense counsel requested for the withdrawal of the preliminary objection. The prosecution did not object to this request, and the court granted it. Justice Ogundare then adjourned the case to June 5 for a report of settlement.
Recall that the celebrity barman who was accused of abusing the naira on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on three counts bordering on abuse of naira, spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
However, he was on April 17 granted a N10m bail with two sureties in like sum.
