On Wednesday, a Federal High Court in Lagos approved a motion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to discontinue a case against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, for alleged misuse of the Naira.
Cubana Chief Priest was charged by the EFCC on April 17 with three counts of allegedly spraying and tampering with Naira notes at a social event held at Eko Hotel in Lagos. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail set at N10 million.
At the previous hearing on May 2, the defense counsel, Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court that both parties were negotiating a settlement and requested the matter be resolved under Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
The defense then applied to withdraw their preliminary objection, and with no opposition from the prosecution, the court granted the request. The case was adjourned to June 5 for a settlement report.
However, on Wednesday, it was revealed that the defense had sent a letter requesting an adjournment. The case is now scheduled for mention on June 25.
The charges against Okechukwu included tampering with N500 denomination notes while dancing at the event, an offense that violates Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
