NAIRA ABUSE: COURT FIXES JUNE 5 FOR REPORT OF SETTLEMENT IN CASE OF CUBANA CHIEF PRIEST

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The report of settlement in a case against celebrity barman Pascal Okechukwu popularly known as a Cubana Chief Priest, for alleged Naira abuse has been fixed by a Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday, June 5.

On April 17, Okechukwu was charged with three counts of allegedly spraying and tampering with Naira notes during a social event at the Eko hotel in Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He was given N10 million in bail after entering a not-guilty plea to the charge.

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The matter was therefore postponed to May 2 for the trial and hearing of the preliminary objection by Justice Kehinde Ogundare.

When the case was called on Thursday, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution while Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) announced appearance for the defendant .

The defence counsel then informed the court that parties are exploring 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 confirms the position as true. then there will be a need to apply for a withdrawal of defence’s preliminary objection and allow for a reconciliation.

In response. the prosecutor confirmed the position as stated. by defence counsel and told the court that the application is still being considered.

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

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

In the charge, the defendant was said to have tampered with the funds in the denomination of N500, while dancing at the social event in Eko hotel.

The offence contravenes the provisions of section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.