The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reached an agreement with the celebrity barman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest for an out-of-court settlement.
The EFCC had dragged Cubana Chief Priest to court on April 17 2024 after it had filed a three-count charge against Pascal Okechukwu on April 16, 2024.
Okechukwu was arraigned at the federal high court in Lagos State where he eventually pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The three counts of charges related to abuse of the national currency of Nigeria, the Naira, at a social gathering and violated the Central Bank Act of 2007.
On Thursday, the socialite and nightlife promoter arrived at the federal high court, Ikoyi, Lagos State for the continuation of his trial before Justice Kehinde Ogundare.
But just before the commencement of proceedings, it was announced that EFCC and Cubana had resolved to settle out-of-court.
It was his lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chikaosolu Ojukwu who made the disclosure.
Chikaosolu said that if the EFCC confirms the position as true, then there will be a need to apply for a withdrawal of the defense’s preliminary objection to allow for reconciliation.
The defense counsel told the court that both parties have applied for the matter to be settled under the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
EFCC prosecutor, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, confirmed the position canvassed by the defense counsel.
He told the court that the Commission was still considering the application.
With the confirmation, the defense counsel then applied for a withdrawal of the preliminary objection, and with no objections from the prosecution, the court granted the same.
Justice Ogundare subsequently adjourned the case until June 5, for a report of settlement.
But it has to be noted that many Nigerians had felt the celebrity barman would also be given the treatment, meted out to
Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky was also in a similar legal situation, dragged to court by EFCC over abuse of the naira.
In his case, a six-month jail sentence was handed down to him last month, over the same offence, without the option of a fine.
