Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday dismissed the naira abuse charge against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, known as Cubana Chief Priest. The charge was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
As part of an out-of-court settlement, Okechukwu agreed to forfeit N10 million to the Federal Government. This settlement was presented and adopted in court by Justice Ogundare.
During the proceedings, EFCC Counsel Bilkisu Buhari-Bala informed the court of the mutually agreed out-of-court settlement. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, representing Okechukwu, praised the EFCC’s reasonable approach and noted that his client was remorseful and committed to reform.
Justice Ogundare, in a brief ruling, adopted the settlement terms and dismissed the charges.
The settlement agreement, pursuant to Section 14 (2) of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004, includes the following terms:
– The agreement applies only to the contraventions of the law in the pending charge against the defendant.
– The defendant entered into a bond with the EFCC to maintain good behavior and avoid any economic and financial crimes.
– The defendant will actively engage in sensitizing and campaigning against the abuse of naira coins and notes.
– The defendant will post at least two video clips bi-monthly on his social media handles to promote this campaign.
– The defendant will pay a sum of not less than N10 million to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.