The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has struck out the case against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, regarding allegations of abusing the Naira.
Justice Kehinde Ogundare dismissed the charges following a mutual settlement reached by both parties involved in the case.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Okechukwu on April 17, facing a three-count charge for allegedly spraying and tampering with Naira notes during an event at the Eko Hotel in Lagos. Okechukwu pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of N10 million.
During the last hearing on May 2, defence counsel Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) informed the court that settlement negotiations were underway, invoking Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act. Consequently, the defence withdrew a preliminary objection without opposition from the prosecution, leading the court to adjourn until June 5 for a settlement report.
On June 5, the absence of the defence counsel prompted another adjournment to June 25.
At the resumed proceedings on Tuesday, prosecution counsel Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari and defence counsel Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) confirmed the filing and adoption of the settlement terms dated June 24.
Ojukwu expressed gratitude to the court and confirmed that part of the obligations in the settlement had been fulfilled, urging the court to dismiss the case.
Justice Ogundare ruled, “Upon the agreement of the prosecution and defense 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.”
The terms of the settlement, obtained by newsmen, include:
1. The agreement applies to the contraventions in the pending charge against the defendant.
2. The defendant shall bond with the EFCC to maintain good behaviour and avoid any Economic and Financial Crime or related offenses.
3. The defendant will engage in intensive campaigns against the abuse of Naira notes issued under the CBN Act as legal tender.
4. The defendant will post bi-monthly videos on his social media handles promoting anti-abuse of Naira and related offences.
5. The defendant will pay at least N10 million to the consolidated revenue fund of the federation upon executing this agreement.
Okechukwu was accused of tampering with N500 notes while dancing at the social event, violating section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
