The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday dismissed the case against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, related to alleged naira abuse.
Justice Kehinde Ogundare ruled to strike out the charges after both parties adopted a settlement agreement.
Okechukwu had been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on April 17 on three counts of allegedly mishandling naira notes at a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos.
He pled not guilty and was released on bail set at N10 million.
During the previous hearing on May 2, defense counsel Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) informed the court that a settlement was being pursued under section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
Consequently, Ojukwu requested to withdraw the defense’s preliminary objection, which was granted due to no opposition from the prosecution.
The case was adjourned to June 5 for a settlement report.
However, the June 5 hearing was postponed as the defense counsel was absent and had requested an adjournment. The case was rescheduled for June 25.
When the case reconvened on Tuesday, both prosecution, represented by Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, and defense, represented by Mr. Chikaosolu
In a short ruling, the court held that, “Upon the agreement of the prosecution and 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,” he said.
Meanwhile, a copy of the terms of settlement which was obtained by newsmen outlined the following provisions;
“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 Central Bank of Nigeria (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 af this agreement,” he said.
In the charge, the defendant was accused of tampering with naira notes in the denomination of N500 while dancing at a social event at Eko Hotel. This offense contravenes the provisions of section 21(1) of the CBN Act of 2007.
