The Federal High Court in Lagos has postponed the hearing in the case against celebrity bartender and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, to June 25. The case involves allegations of Naira abuse.
The adjournment, which occurred on Wednesday, was requested by the defendant who was absent but had submitted a letter requesting the postponement. The letter, dated June 4, 2024, was written by the law firm Classicus & Dewlight on behalf of Cubana Chief Priest.
In the letter, the lawyers reminded the court that during the last session, both parties had agreed to explore an out-of-court settlement. They also mentioned that these discussions have been productive and are nearing a conclusion.
“Therefore, in the spirit of settlement, we have reached a consensus with the prosecution to further engage in negotiations. Hence, we hereby harmoniously request Your Lordship to vacate the matter scheduled for tomorrow, the 5th Day of June 2024, to enable parties to conclude the alternative settlement and oblige us with a further date for a report of settlement and possibly; conclusion of proceedings in limine,” the letter partly read.
With no objections from the prosecution, the court granted an adjournment until June 25 for a report of settlement.
On April 17, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Okechukwu on a three-count charge of allegedly spraying and tampering with Naira notes during a social event at the Eko Hotel in Lagos. Okechukwu pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.
The charge alleges that Okechukwu tampered with Naira notes in the denomination of N500 while dancing at the social event, which contravenes section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
During the last adjourned session on May 2, the defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, informed the court that both parties were exploring an out-of-court settlement. He mentioned that the parties had applied for the matter to be settled according to section 14(2) of the EFCC Act and subsequently withdrew the defence’s preliminary objection to facilitating reconciliation.
The EFCC prosecutor, Bilikisu Buhari, confirmed the defence counsel’s position and stated that the Commission was still considering the application.
In a related case, the EFCC arraigned controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, on similar charges. Bobrisky was sentenced to a six-month jail term.
