By Ken Afor
The Federal High Court in Lagos State has granted socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, a N10 million bail with two sureties in like sum.
TheNewDiplomat reports that Cubana Chief Priest, in his arraignment on Wednesday before Justice Kehinde Ogundare, pleaded not guilty to the three counts bordering on abuse of naira for allegedly spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event, contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
It would be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced on Tuesday that it had filed a three-count charge against the 43-year-old socialite for alleged abuse of the Nigerian Naira.
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”.
Meanwhile, his arraignment on Wednesday has elicited reactions from Nigerians on social media, calling on the EFCC to go after corrupt politicians rather than chasing celebrities in the country.
According to an X user, BlackkGold: “Instead of them to go after those politicians that are embezzling billions of naira, they are busy going after celebrities.”
Another user, topecalibre05 while reacting to the development said: “Many people are getting it twisted. Nobody can stop spraying money in a party. The only thing EFCC is saying is abusing Naira. You can spray money in a plastic bag, bowl or carton box. Why must you throw money on the floor for people to step on?”
