Court Grants Businessman And Socialite Cubana Chief Priest N10m bail

The Federal High Court in Lagos State has granted bail to Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, in the amount of N10m. 

According the the PUNCH, the businessman and socialite pleaded not guilty to charges of tampering and abusing the naira during his trial. 

Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on three counts related to the abuse of the nation's currency at a social event. 

It is alleged that he sprayed and tampered with the naira on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel, while dancing during the event. Specifically, he is accused of tampering with N500 notes issued by the CBN by spraying them for a duration of two hours.

In the case with reference number FHC/L/ 246/2024, as obtained by The PUNCH, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission accused Cubana Chief Priest of tampering with N500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria during a social event in Lagos in 2020 by spraying them for two hours.

In the third count, it was stated: "That you, Okechukwu Pascal, in January 2024, during a social event in Lagos, tampered with N500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying them, thereby violating Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007."

On April 5, 2024, the EFCC successfully prosecuted Bobrisky, also known as Idris Okuneye, for similar charges, resulting in a six-month prison sentence on April 12, 2024.

The EFCC recently announced an investigation into various celebrities for suspected mishandling of Naira notes. According to spokesperson Dele Oyewale, many celebrities have cooperated with the commission, while others have been summoned for questioning.

The EFCC remains committed to upholding the law without exceptions, and the public is advised to avoid engaging in activities that violate currency laws.

Credited to Puch Newspaper.