The Nigerian netizen community has been reacting to the N10 million bail granted the public figure, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest after he pleaded not guilty to an alleged Naira abuse.
The socialite had been arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court, Lagos, today Wednesday, April 17 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a three-count charge verging on the abuse of the Naira.
After the socialite had pleaded not guilty, the court granted him bail for N10m with two sureties in like sum who had yo be gainfully employed with the federal or state government and not less than a grade level 16 civil servant.
His bail has sparked controversy across the social media platforms in the country.
A lot of internet users had asked why popular crossdresser, Bobrisky, was denied bail for a similar offense before his trial but Cubana Chief priest was granted bail.
A user on X (formerly Twitter) @LawrenceOkoroPG had observed that the arraigned socialite had after the court proceedings, posted on his verified Instagram account.
‘Now it’s confirmed Chief Priest no small. Money na Water.’ The user had shared.
Another user, @47kasz had said: “I’m starting to believe there was more to jailing Bobrisky than the mutilation of naira cos if the court can grant Cubana chief priest bail for the same offence then why is Bobrisky jailed for 6 months. I don’t support Bob but let’s be fr.”
While the whole situation seems fishy, it is noteworthy to mention that Bobrisky had pleaded guilty to the same crime Cubana chief priest stated he was not guilty of and like another X user @Bummiearo had pointed out, a bail was simply the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial.
This means that the case continues but Cubana Chiefpriest will not be in the custody of EFCC nor be sleeping in a cell for the duration of the trial.
In Bobrisky’s case, he had pleaded guilty so there was no need for a trial, only to pass judgement.
Could this just simply be the case in this situation or is there more than meets the eye e.g a whole other case likely being covered up by the authorities?
What do you think?