By Milcah Tanimu

The federal high court in lagos state has dismissed the naira abuse case against celebrity bartender pascal okechukwu, popularly known as cubana chief priest. The economic and financial crimes commission (efcc) had arraigned cubana chief priest on april 17, charging him with three counts of spraying and mishandling naira notes, in violation of section 21(1) of the central bank act of 2007. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail for n10 million.

During the initial hearing on may 2, okechukwu’s lawyer, chikaosolu ojukwu, san, indicated that both parties were pursuing a settlement under section 14(2) of the efcc act. Following discussions, the defence requested to withdraw a preliminary objection, which the prosecution did not oppose, leading to the court’s approval.

In a recent instagram post, cubana chief priest announced that his case was struck out at the june 25 hearing, stating that he had been cautioned and discharged. He also urged his fans to refrain from mutilating naira notes, advising them to use dollars if necessary. He wrote, “Thank you god as my case is struck out, cp the defendant is cautioned & discharged. Thank you @officialefcc 🦅 & my legal team being headed by chikaosolu ojukwu senior advocate of 🇳🇬 now let’s get straight to the venue for #chivido2024💐 with 💯 composure & steeze. Nb: pls don’t mutilate naira you if there be need better do it in dollars.”