Celebrity barman, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have agreed to settle the naira abuse charge outside of court.
This development was announced when the case resumed on Thursday.
Cubana Chief Priest appeared before Justice Kehinde Ogundare, facing three counts related to abusing the national currency at a social gathering.
These actions violate the Central Bank Act of 2007.
He allegedly sprayed and tampered with the naira notes during a social event at the Eko Hotel in Lagos.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him and was granted bail in the sum of N10m.
Justice Ogundare gave Okechukwu seven days to perfect the bail conditions, saying if he failed to perfect the bail conditions within seven days, he would be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Service.
Cubana Chief Priest faced three counts related to abusing the national currency at a social gathering, which violates the Central Bank Act of 2007.
He allegedly sprayed and tampered with naira notes during an event at Eko Hotel in Lagos. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N10m.
On Thursday, Cubana Chief Priest’s counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) informed the court that both parties are exploring a settlement under Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
The EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, confirmed that discussions are ongoing, and the application is being considered.
The EFCC alleged that Cubana Chief Priest committed the offence on February 13, 2024, by spraying naira notes while dancing during a social event.
The commission stated that this action is punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.
In a similar case, cross-dresser Bobrisky was sentenced to six months imprisonment in April for abusing the naira.
