Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, stood before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos. The charges?
In Count 1, it was alleged, “that you, Okechukwu Pascal on 13th Feb. 2024, at Eko Hotel, within the jurisdiction of the court, while dancing during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.
In count 2, it was alleged, “that you Okechukwu Pascal sometime in 2020, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.
In Count 3, it was alleged, “that you Okechukwu Pascal sometime in January 2024, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007”.
The nightlife promoter maintained his innocence, uttering a resolute “not guilty” to the three counts leveled against him. The courtroom buzzed with anticipation as the proceedings unfolded.
But what led to this high-stakes legal showdown?
Cubana Chief Priest, a businessman and socialite, found himself at the center of a storm. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed charges against the social media celebrity, alleging naira abuse. The courtroom walls seemed to echo with whispers of intrigue and speculation.
As the gavel fell, granting him ₦10 million bail, the crowd held its breath. The man who had once orchestrated electrifying nightlife events now faced a different kind of spotlight—one that illuminated the intricacies of currency handling.
Cubana Chief Priest is also to submit his travel passport to the custody of the court.
The bail conditions must be perfected within seven days but in the meantime he was released to his lawyer who must give an undertaken to produce him later. Failure to do so, he will be remanded in correctional facility.