Pascal Okechukwu, alias Cubana Chief Priest has made a U-turn and approached the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for a plea bargain over his alleged Naira abuse currently before a Federal High court sitting in Lagos.
Cubana Chief Priest wants ‘Settlement’ with EFCC over Naira abuse trial
This is a sharp departure from his earlier stance when he pleaded not guilty and filed two applications challenging the right and power of the EFCC over him for Naira abuse.
But the EFCC has informed the court that his request is still receiving attention and under scrutiny by the Commission.
His case comes up again on June 5, 2024 before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Pascal was arraigned on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 by the EFCC on a three-count charge bordering on abuse of the Naira.
One of the counts reads: That you, Okechukwu Pascal, on 13th February, 2024, at Eko Hotel Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while dancing during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.”
Another count reads: “That you, Okechukwu Pascal, sometime in 2020, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, during a social event tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same for two hours and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.”
Cubana Chief Priest makes U-turn, begs EFCC
At the resumed sitting of the court on Thursday, Okechukwu through his lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, told the court about a plan of his client to enter a plea bargain with the EFCC.
Ojukwu also sought to withdraw his earlier preliminary objection filed on April 24, 2024, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the charge. “In the interest of justice, we are urging the court to strike out the motion because the prosecution has not responded to it,” he said.
Cubana Chief Priest withdraws application
The prosecution counsel did not oppose the withdrawal of the application.
Consequently, Justice Ogundare struck out the application, having been withdrawn by the defence, and also adjourned the case till June 5, 2024.
