The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to present Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024. Okechukwu is accused of violating the Central Bank Act of 2007 by allegedly mishandling the Nigerian currency.
Scheduled to appear before Justice Kehinde Ogundare, Cubana Chief Priest will face a three-count charge, as detailed in the charge filed by the EFCC’s prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, and seven other legal representatives of the anti-graft commission. The charges stem from incidents where Okechukwu is accused of spraying and tampering with Naira notes at social events, a practice deemed illegal under the Central Bank Act.
The first count alleges that on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel in Lagos, Okechukwu Pascal engaged in the spraying of N500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria during a social event, thereby contravening Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.
Similarly, the second count accuses Okechukwu of committing a similar offense in 2020 during a social event in Lagos, while the third count pertains to an incident in January 2024, also in Lagos.
This legal action follows the EFCC’s successful conviction of Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, on comparable charges, resulting in a six-month prison sentence. The EFCC’s crackdown on individuals found violating currency regulations underscores its commitment to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the courtroom as the legal proceedings against Cubana Chief Priest shed light on the consequences of flouting currency laws and regulations.