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Famous Instagram celebrity Pascal Okechukwu aka the Cubana head priest has advised guests at the traditional wedding of singer Davido and Chioma Rowland to refrain from sprinkling Naira notes.
The Afrobeats star and Chioma’s star-studded wedding continues at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.
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Cubana Chief Priest’s advice comes after his Naira abuse case was dismissed at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
In April, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the EFCC charged the Instagram celebrity for alleged abuse of Naira.
On his Instagram page, Okechukwu wrote: “Thank God my case was struck out. CP, the accused, is reprimanded and released. Thank you, EFCC and my legal team, led by Chikaosolu Ojukwu. Now, let’s go straight to the CHIVIDO2024 headquarters with composure and style. Please don’t mutilate Naira. If necessary, do it in dollars.”
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EFCC
Okechukwu appeared before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos and pleaded not guilty to the three charges brought by the EFCC. He was later granted bail of N10 million.
After his release on bail, he rallied support for the EFCC, highlighting the eagle in commissions as a symbol of its ability to pursue people wherever they hide. He urged Nigerians not to evade the invitations of the anti-graft agency but to comply with them.
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He supported the anti-graft agency and stressed that EFCC officials focus on investigation and prosecution, not intimidation.
Cubana Chief Priest revealed that the commission’s cells have basic amenities, including a bed, bathroom, bathroom and meals served three times a day.
In May, the court adjourned Mr. Okechukwu’s case to accommodate his negotiations with the EFCC to reach a plea deal.
Mr. Okechukwu’s lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, informed Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the accused’s intention to seek a plea deal under Section 14 of the EFCC Establishment Act.
Ojukwu asked the court to set a date for an update on negotiations. Granting the application, Judge Ogundare dismissed the preliminary objection and scheduled the case for June 5 to hear the plea agreement report.
Finally free
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos quashed Naira abuse charges leveled against Cubana Chief Priest by the EFCC.
The judge also ordered Mr Okechukwu to hand over N10 million to the federal government as part of an out-of-court settlement the accused agreed to with the EFCC in lieu of charge.
This was contained in the settlement agreement with the EFCC, which the trial judge adopted on Tuesday.
Proceedings, Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, counsel for the EFCC, informed the court that the accused parties reached an out-of-court settlement, which was duly signed by both parties.
The accused’s lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, commended the reasonable action of the anti-graft agency in resolving the matter. He said the accused is equally remorseful and vowed to turn the page.
Ojukwu also said the consequence of the agreement is for the court to dismiss the charge.
Justice Ogundare, in his brief ruling, adopted the terms of the agreement and accordingly dismissed the charge.
The terms of the settlement agreement under Section 14 (2) of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004 read:
“The agreement applies only to findings regarding violations of law contained in the pending charge filed against the defendant.
“The accused shall hold a bond with the EFCC of good conduct and never commit any economic and financial crime or related offences.
“The respondent will conduct rigorous and intensive sensitization and campaign against the abuse of coins and banknotes issued under the CBN Act as legal tender.
“The accused will publish every two months on his various social media platforms at least two video clips of his campaign/awareness against naira abuse and various crimes.
“The respondent shall pay to the consolidated revenue fund of the Federation a sum of not less than Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000:00) only upon execution of this agreement.”
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