A Federal High Court in Lagos has set June 5 for a report on settlement in the case involving celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, famously known as Cubana Chief Priest, regarding alleged mishandling of the Nigerian currency.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought charges against Okechukwu on April 17, accusing him of three counts related to the purported spraying and manipulation of Naira notes during a social gathering at Eko Hotel in Lagos.
Okechukwu pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail amounting to N10 million.
Justice Kehinde Ogundare had initially adjourned the case until May 2 for the hearing of the preliminary objection and the trial proceedings.
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According to News Agency of Nigeria reports, the recent court date, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari represented the prosecution, while Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) announced his appearance as the defendant’s counsel.
The defence counsel informed the court that the parties were exploring a settlement and have applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
He told the court that if the prosecution confirmed the position as true, there would be a need to apply for a withdrawal of the defence’s preliminary objection and allow for a reconciliation.
In response, the prosecutor confirmed the position as stated by the defence counsel and told the court that the application was still being considered.
Following the position, the defence counsel applied for a withdrawal of the preliminary objection since there was no objection from the prosecution and the court granted the same.
The court, consequently, adjourned the case until
June 5, for the report of settlement.
In the charge, the defendant was said to have tampered with the funds in the denomination of N500, while dancing at the social event in Eko Hotels and Suites.
The offence contravenes the provisions of Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
NAN reports that the EFCC had on April 5 secured the conviction of popular cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, on similar charges for which he was sentenced to six months imprisonment.
NAN
