By Ayo Kehinde
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and celebrity barman, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, have reached a deal to settle out of court.
The anti-graft agency had arraigned Cubana before Justice Kehinde Ogundare at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on April 17, for allegedly spraying and tampering with the naira at a social event contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007. The socialite was alleged to have sprayed the naira on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel.
While he was admitted to a N10 million bail with two sureties in like sum, Cubana Chief Priest had objected to his prosecution by the EFCC in an application filed before the court, challenging the three-count charge brought against him by the EFCC.
When the case was called on Thursday, Cubana’s counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court that the parties were exploring a settlement and had 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 reconciliation.
In response, Bilikisu Buhari, who appeared for 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 withdrawal of the preliminary objection since there was no objection from the prosecution and the court granted the same.
Justice Ogundare consequently adjourned the case until June 5, for the report of settlement.
