The preparation for the arraignment of Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, is currently underway as he has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The businessman and socialite will face charges today before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Cubana Chief Priest is set to appear before Justice Kehinde Ogundare to answer to three counts related to the abuse of the naira. He is accused of engaging in activities such as spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event, actions that are in violation of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
Confirming the detention, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed the details in an interview, stating, “Yes, Cubana Chief Priest is currently in our custody and will be presented in court tomorrow (Wednesday).”
In a legal suit filed on April 4, 2024, by EFCC’s prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) and seven other legal representatives of EFCC’s Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, it was alleged that on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel in Lagos, Pascal Okechukwu tampered with N500 notes during a social event. These actions are deemed to be a contravention of Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.
The charge marked FHC/L/ 246/2024 outlined instances where Cubana Chief Priest allegedly engaged in similar activities with N500 notes during a social gathering in Lagos in 2020 and another event in January 2024.
Similarly, the EFCC recently obtained a conviction for popular personality Bobrisky on similar charges, resulting in a six-month sentence. The agency had earlier indicated that it was investigating various celebrities for misuse of the country’s currency.
Responding to criticism, the EFCC emphasized its commitment to addressing such offenses, highlighting that it would focus on new cases while disregarding past incidents captured in videos circulating online.
The agency expressed appreciation for public awareness concerning the abuse of the Naira and reiterated its dedication to combating these actions through thorough investigations and legal actions.
Despite the resurgence of old videos showing Naira abuse, the EFCC reiterated its stance of prioritizing recent cases and upholding the importance of preserving the integrity of the national currency.
The EFCC’s Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the Economy, commenced operations on February 7, 2024, underlining the seriousness with which the agency views these financial crimes.