The Federal High Court in Lagos has struck out the Naira abuse case against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest.
Okechukwu is facing three counts of alleged abuse of Naira notes, Top Society understands.
On April 17, 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigned Okechukwu for abusing the naira at a social event at the Eko Hotel in Lagos., an act said to be contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
Okechukwu pleaded not guilty and was granted a bail set at N10m.
The case was, however, dismissed upon adjournment. Reacting, Okechukwu via his Instagram on Tuesday thanked the anti-graft agency and his lawyers.
He further advised the public not to mutilate the naira, adding that if need be, people should use dollars instead.
He wrote: “Thank You God As My Case Is Struck Out, CP The Defendant Is Cautioned & Discharged. Thank You @officialefcc 🦅 & My Legal Team Being Headed By Chikaosolu Ojukwu Senior Advocate Of 🇳🇬 Now Let’s Get Straight To The Venue For #ChiVido2024💐 With 💯 Composure & Steeze. NB: Pls Don’t Mutilate Naira You If There Be Need Better Do It In Dollars.”
Top Society earlier reported that a copy of the document filed on April 4th by EFFC’s prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) alongside seven other lawyers representing the chairman of the Commission read:
“That you, Okechukwu Pascal on 13th Feb. 2024, at Eko Hotel, within the jurisdiction of the court, while dancing during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.
“That you Okechukwu Pascal sometime in 2020, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.
“That you Okechukwu Pascal sometime in January 2024, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.
Cubana Chief Priest’s arrest is coming days after popular crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison for abusing naira.
