Court Strikes Out Naira Abuse Case Against Cubana Chief Priest
A Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed June 5 for a report of settlement in a case against celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, over alleged abuse of the naira.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on April 17 arraigned Okechukwu on three counts of allegedly spraying and tampering with the naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos State.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.
Justice Kehinde Ogundare had then adjourned the case until May 2, for hearing of the preliminary objection and trial.
When the case was called on Thursday, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution, while Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), announced appearance for the defendant .
NAN reports that the defence counsel informed the court that the parties were exploring a settlement and have applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
He told the court that if the prosecution confirmed the position as true, there would be a need to apply for a withdrawal of the defence’s preliminary objection and allow for a reconciliation.
In response, the prosecutor confirmed the position as stated by the defence counsel and told the court that the application was still being considered.
Following the position, the defence counsel applied for a preliminary objection since there was no objection from the prosecution and the court granted the same.
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