June 25, (THEWILL) – The Federal High Court, Lagos, has struck out the charge of naira abuse filed against celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest.
Justice Kehinde Ogundare struck out the charge following the adoption of terms of settlement between Cubana and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
As part of the settlement, Cubana “shall pay to the consolidated revenue fund of Federation such sum not below the sum of ten million naira (N10,000,000,00) only upon the execution of this agreement.”
The anti-graft agency had on April 17, arraigned Okechukwu on a three-count charge of allegedly spraying and tampering with Naira notes during a social event at the Eko Hotel, Lagos.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.
At the last adjourned date on May 2, defence counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court that parties were exploring settlement and had applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
At the resumption of proceedings on Tuesday, Counsel for the EFCC, Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, informed the court that parties in the charge entered into the out-of-court settlement and same was duly signed by both parties.
The defendant’s counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), commended the reasonable action of the anti-graft agency in having the matter resolved. He said the defendant is equally remorseful and promises to turn over a new leaf going forward. Ojukwu also said that the consequence of the settlement is for the court to dismiss the charge.
Justice Ogundare, in his short ruling, adopted the terms of settlement agreement pursuant to Section 14 (2) of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004.
“Upon the agreement of the prosecution and defence pursuant to the EFCC Establishment Act, the agreement having been presented to the court, this charge is hereby struck out as the defendant is hereby cautioned,” the court ruled.
A copy of the terms of settlement, which was obtained by newsmen in court, reads in part: “The agreement applies only to the findings relating to contraventions of the law contained in the pending charge preferred against the defendant.
“The defendant entered into a bond with the EFCC to be of good behaviour and never indulge in any Economic and Financial Crime or related offences.
“The Defendant shall engage in rigorous and intensive sensitisation and/or campaign against the abuse of coins and notes issued under the CBN Act as legal tender.
“The defendant shall bi-monthly post on his various social media handles a minimum of two video clips of his sensitisation/campaign against abuse of naira and sundry offences.
“The Defendant shall pay to the consolidated revenue fund of Federation such sum not below the sum of Ten million naira (N10,000,000:00) only upon the execution of this agreement.”
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