The Federal High Court in Lagos had on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 dismissed the charge against celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu, who is famously known as Cubana Chief Priest, over alleged abuse of the Naira.
Justice Kehinde Ogundare had repealed the charge after the adoption of terms of settlement between parties to the lawsuit.
Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on April 17, arraigned Okechukwu on a three-count charge of purportedly spraying and damaging the Naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos.
The self-professed ‘Celebrity Bartender’ 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, the Defence Counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court the involved parties were exploring settlement and had appealed for the matter to be settled pursuant to the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
The key differences between Cubana Chief Priest’s case and Bobrisky’s Naira abuse charge
1. Admission of Guilt:
Bobrisky: At the beginning of the hearing, Bobrisky admitted to committing the crime of abusing the Naira.
Cubana Chief Priest: He had pleaded not guilty, meaning that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC( myst prove that the allegation with concrete evidence.
2. Sentencing and Bail:
Bobrisky: The Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced Bobrisky to six months in prison without the option of a fine since he pleaded guilty.
Cubana Chief Priest: He was granted bail in the sum if N10 million with two sureties after pleading not guilty.
3. Legal Standpoint:
Bobrisky: His admission of guilt left the judge with no further option but to impose a jail term.
Cubana Chief Priest: His not guilty pleas means the EFCC has to prove the allegation against him in court and since they couldn’t (judging from the recent development), his case was dismissed.
