Naira Abuse: Court Strikes out Charge against Celebrity Bartender, Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest)

Naira Abuse: Court Strikes out Charge Against  Celebrity Bartender, Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest),, Orders Him to Pay N10m

The EFCC had arraigned Okechukwu on April 17, 2024 on a three-count charge of allegedly spraying and tampering with the Naira in the denomination of N500, while dancing at a social event in Eko Hotel in Lagos State in contravention of the provisions of Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.

On June 25, 2024 Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in the Lagos Judicial Division struck out the Charge against him, over alleged abuse of the Naira . His Lordship struck out the Charge following the adoption of the Terms of Settlement between him and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).In a short ruling, the Honourable  Court held that:

“Upon the Agreement of the Prosecution and the  Defence pursuant to the EFCC Establishment Act, the Agreement having been presented to the Court, this charge is hereby struck out as the Defendant is hereby cautioned.”

Meanwhile, a copy of the Terms of Settlement which was obtained by newsmen in Court provided as follows:

“The agreement applies only to the findings relating to contravention of the law contained in the pending charge preferred against the defendant.

“The defendant shall enter into a bond with the EFCC to be of good behaviour and never indulge in any Economic and Financial Crime or related offences.

“The Defendant shall engage in rigorous and intensive sensitisation and/or campaign against the abuse of coins and notes issued under the CBN Act as legal tender.

“The defendant shall bi-monthly post on his various social media handles a minimum of two video clips of his sensitisation/campaign against abuse of naira and sundry offences.

“The Defendant shall pay to the consolidated revenue fund of Federation such sum not below the sum of N10 million only upon the execution of this agreement,”

Source: This Day News Online