Court Adjourns Case Against Cubana Chief Priest

A case against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, for suspected Naira misuse was adjourned by a Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, June 5, until June 25.

Pascal Okechukwu was arraigned on April 17 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a three-count allegation of allegedly spraying and tampering with Naira notes during a social gathering at Lagos' Eko Hotel.

Cubana Chief Priest pled not guilty to the accusations and was given a bail of 10 million Naira.

At the last adjourned date on May 2, the defense counsel, Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court that the parties were exploring settlement and had applied that the matter be settled under the provisions of Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.

Following the position, defense counsel asked for the withdrawal of the preliminary objection, which the court approved because the prosecution had not objected.

As a result, the court deferred the case until June 5 (today) to receive a settlement report.

However, on Wednesday, the defense reportedly sent a letter requesting an adjournment of the case.

The case is now scheduled for mention on June 25.

The defendant was charged with tampering with N500 cash while dancing at a social gathering at the Eko Hotel.

The offense violates the provisions of Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.