Divine Peterson.Following UNBELIEVABLE! Tension As Court Strikes Out Naira ABUSE Charges Against Chief Priest, See Shocking Details
The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday struck out a charge against celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, over alleged abuse of the naira.
Justice Kehinde Ogundare struck out the charge following the adoption of terms of settlement between parties to the suit.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on April 17, arraigned Okechukwu on a three- count charge of allegedly spraying and tampering with the Naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.
At the last adjourned date on May 2. the Defence Counsel, Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court.
Ojukwu noted that the parties were exploring settlement and had applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
Following the position, he applied for a withdrawal of a preliminary objection filed by the defence, and since there was no objection from the prosecution, the court granted the same.
The court, consequently, adjourned the case until June 5, for a report of settlement.. On June 5, the case could not go on following the absence of the defence counsel who had reportedly written to the court praying for an adjournment. The court had adjourned the case until June 25, for a report of settlement.
When the case was called on Tuesday, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution, while Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), appeared for the defence. Bilikisu informed the court that the prosecution had filed the terms of settlement dated June 24 and adopted the same. In response, the defence counsel said he agreed with what the prosecutor said and equally adopted the same.
He thanked the court for its indulgence adding that part of the obligations contained in the said terms had been performed.
He urged the court to make the consequential orders of dismissing the case. 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.”
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 sensitisation
and/or campaign against the abuse of
coins and notes issued under the
Central Bank of Nigeria (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
Federation such sum not below the
sum of N10 million 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. The offence contravenes the provisions of section 21(1) of the CBN
Act of 2007.
The striking out of the charge against Cubana Chief Priest marks a significant turn in a case that garnered widespread attention due to its
implications for public figures and
legal precedents regarding financial
misconduct.
The adoption of terms of settlement
reflects a nuanced approach to
resolving such cases outside
prolonged court proceedings. It
underscores the willingness of both
parties to find common ground and avoid prolonged legal battles. Cubana Chief Priest’s case also highlighted issues surrounding the use and treatment of legal tender, particularly during social events where
lavish displays can inadvertently
breach financial laws.
The resolution of the case with terms
including a bond for good behavior
and advocacy against currency abuse
underscores broader societal
concerns about financial responsibility
and adherence to legal frameworks
governing economic activities.
The court’ s caution to Cubana Chief
Priest serves as a reminder to public
figures and influencers about the
importance of setting positive
examples in financial conduct and
adhering to regulatory standards.
In conclusion, the striking out of the
charge against Cubana Chief Priest
represents a pivotal moment in his
legal saga, marking the end of formal
accusations while setting forth
obligations for future conduct. It also
prompts reflection on societal
expectations regarding financial
ethics and the role of public figures in
promoting responsible behavior.
This case not only clarifies legal
boundaries but also highlights the
evolving dynamics between law
enforcement and influential
personalities in Nigeria’s public
sphere.
