Naira Abuse: Court Grants Cubana Chief Priest N10M Bail

The court had granted Cubana Chief Priest bail at the sum of N10million with two sureties in like sum after he pleaded not guilty to the allegation of tampering and abusing the naira during his trial.

A Federal High Court in Lagos State on Wednesday, further adjourned until June 25 for mention a case against celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest) for alleged abuse of the Naira.

Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos State over an allegation of naira abuse.

The court had granted Cubana Chief Priest bail at the sum of N10million with two sureties in like sum after he pleaded not guilty to the allegation of tampering and abusing the naira during his trial.

The socialite was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on three counts bordering on abuse of naira for allegedly spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Cubana Chief Priest of spraying naira notes on February 13, 2024, at the Eko Hotel while dancing during a social event.

He was said to have abused N500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying the same for two hours.

On May 2, the defence counsel, Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), had informed the court that parties were exploring settlement and had applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.

Following the position, defence counsel had then applied for a withdrawal of the preliminary objection, and since there was no objection from the prosecution, the court granted same.

The court had consequently, adjourned the case until June 5, for report of settlement.

However on Wednesday, the News Agency of Nigeria reports that the defence had written a letter seeking an adjournment of the case.

Meanwhile, the case has now been fixed for June 25 for mention.