Cubana Chief Priest Gets N10m Bail in Naira Abuse Case

Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, appeared before a Lagos Federal High Court on Wednesday, facing charges of using Nigerian currency for offensive purposes and tampering with it.

The businessman and socialite, who pleaded not guilty, was granted bail in the sum of N10 million, with two sureties also required to provide the same amount. Justice Ogundare presided over the proceedings as the trial judge.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Cubana Chief Priest, alleging that he committed the offense on February 13, 2024, during a social gathering at Eko Hotel in Lagos. According to the EFCC’s attorney, Bilikisu Buhari, the defendant tampered with N500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by spraying them for two hours while dancing at the event.

The commission further accused Cubana Chief Priest of similar actions at social gatherings in Lagos in 2020 and January 2024, involving the tampering of N500 CBN-issued notes. These offenses are in violation of Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.

Despite the allegations, Cubana Chief Priest entered a not guilty plea. His defense attorney, Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, urged the court to grant his client lenient bail conditions. Ojukwu informed the court of a preliminary application contesting its jurisdiction to try the defendant and presented a bail application supported by a 25-paragraph affidavit dated April 17, 2024, citing Section 163 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

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Addressing the court, Ojukwu emphasized the defendant’s health condition, stating that he suffers from heart palpitations and was picked up from the hospital by the EFCC that morning. The defense lawyer highlighted the hardship faced by Cubana Chief Priest’s employees, who are currently without food.

In response, the prosecution did not object to the bail request. Judge Ogundare granted bail to Cubana Chief Priest in the sum of N10 million, with one of the sureties required to possess landed property within the court’s jurisdiction. The judge also ordered the court registrar to obtain the defendant’s international passport. A seven-day deadline was set for the completion of the bail process, with the consequence of remand in prison if missed. The court deferred hearing the defense’s preliminary objection until May 2, 2024.