The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday dismissed the charge against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, known as Cubana Chief Priest, concerning the alleged abuse of the naira.
Justice Kehinde Ogundare dismissed the charge after both parties to the suit agreed to a settlement.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged Okechukwu on April 17 with three counts of allegedly spraying and tampering with naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos. Okechukwu pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of N10 million.
On May 2, Defense Counsel Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) informed the court that the parties were exploring a settlement under section 14(2) of the EFCC Act. Consequently, he withdrew the defense’s preliminary objection, which the court granted with no opposition from the prosecution. The case was adjourned to June 5 for a settlement report.
However, the defense counsel’s absence on June 5 led to another adjournment to June 25. On Tuesday, when the case was called, Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution, and Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) represented the defense. Buhari informed the court that the prosecution had filed the settlement terms dated June 24 and adopted them.
Ojukwu confirmed the adoption and thanked the court, noting that some obligations in the settlement had been met. He requested the case’s dismissal, which the court granted.
In a brief ruling, the court stated: “Upon the agreement of the prosecution and defense pursuant to the EFCC Establishment Act, this charge is hereby dismissed, and the defendant is cautioned.”
The settlement agreement, obtained by newsmen, outlined that:
1. The agreement applies solely to the pending charge against the defendant.
2. The defendant will enter a bond with the EFCC to maintain good behavior and avoid economic and financial crimes.
3. The defendant will engage in a campaign against the abuse of CBN-issued coins and notes.
4. The defendant will post at least two bi-monthly videos on social media promoting this campaign.
5. The defendant will pay a sum not less than N10 million to the consolidated revenue fund.
The charge alleged that the defendant tampered with N500 notes at the social event, violating section 21(1) of the CBN Act of 2007.
