A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 25, struck out the case against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, regarding alleged abuse of the Naira.
Justice Kehinde Ogundare dismissed the charges after both parties agreed to a settlement.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Okechukwu on April 17 on a three-count charge for allegedly spraying and tampering with Naira notes during a social event at the Eko Hotel in Lagos. Okechukwu pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of N10 million.
At the last hearing on May 2, Okechukwu’s counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court that both parties were exploring a settlement under Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act. The court then adjourned the case to June 5 for a settlement report, but the session was postponed to June 25 due to the absence of the defense counsel.
On Tuesday, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari represented the prosecution, while Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) appeared for the defense. Buhari informed the court that the prosecution had filed the terms of the settlement, which both parties adopted.
Ojukwu thanked the court for its indulgence and stated that part of the settlement obligations had been fulfilled. He requested the court to dismiss the case.
In a brief ruling, the court agreed to dismiss the charges, cautioning Okechukwu. The court’s decision was based on the terms of the settlement presented.
Terms of Settlement
A copy of the settlement terms obtained by newsmen stated:
The agreement applies only to the findings related to the pending charge against Okechukwu.
Okechukwu will enter into a bond with the EFCC to exhibit good behavior and abstain from economic and financial crimes.
He will engage in a rigorous and intensive sensitization campaign against the abuse of coins and notes issued under the CBN Act.
He will post a minimum of two videos bi-monthly on his social media platforms promoting his campaign against the abuse of the Naira.
Okechukwu will pay a sum of no less than N10 million to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation upon executing the agreement.
The original charge alleged that Okechukwu tampered with N500 notes while dancing at a social event at the Eko Hotel, violating Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
