Cubana Chief Priest escapes jail term in Naira abuse case
Pascal Okechukuwu popularly known as Cuban Chief Priest has avoided jail term in the Naira abuse case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
The EFCC had on April 17, charged Cubana Chief Priest; the celebrity Bar Man with three counts of spraying and tampering with naira notes during a social event at the Eko Hotel in Lagos.
Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), The defence counsel, told the court during the case’s last hearing on the 2nd of May that the parties were considering a settlement and had requested that the case be resolved per section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
Subsequently, he requested that the defense’s preliminary objection be withdrawn. The court agreed to his request because the prosecution did not object. As a result, the court postponed the case until June 5 to receive a settlement report.
Due to the defence attorney’s absence on June 5, the case could not proceed. The attorney had written to the court pleading for an adjournment. The case was postponed by the court until June 25 to get a settlement report. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) represented the defence, and Bilikisu Buhari represented the prosecution when the matter was called on Tuesday.
Bilikisu notified the court that the settlement conditions dated June 24 had been filed and accepted by the prosecution. The defence attorney responded by saying he agreed with the prosecutor’s assertions and had made the same.
He added that some of the responsibilities outlined in the aforementioned provisions had been fulfilled and thanked the court for its forbearance. He implored the judge to issue the necessary directives to dismiss the case.
The Court’s full verdict on Cubana Chief Priest vs EFCC
The court declared in its’ order, “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.”
A copy of the terms of the settlement obtained by newsmen in court provided as follows, “The agreement applies only to the findings relating to the 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 ₦10 million only upon the execution of this agreement,” he added.
The defendant was accused in the charge of tampering with ₦500 worth of funds while dancing at the Eko Hotel social event. The offence violates the terms of the CBN Act of 2007 section 21(1).
Written by Oluwatosin Ola
