Eko Hot Blog reports that the Federal High Court in Lagos State has granted popular Nigerian socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, a.k.a Cubana Chief Priest, N10m bail with two sureties in like sum.
The celebrity bar man had earlier pleaded not guilty to tampering and abusing the naira during his trial.
Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on three counts bordering on abuse of naira by allegedly spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event.
File Image of Cubana Chief Priest Flaunting wards of Cash at an event
According to the court, his actions were contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
He was alleged to have sprayed the naira on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel.
The court said Cubana Chief Priest committed the offences while dancing during a social event.
The celebrity bar man was said to have tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 notes issued by the CBN by spraying the same for two hours.
When the case was called on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution while Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, announced an appearance for the defendant.
The defence counsel then first informed the court of a preliminary objection challenging the courts jurisdiction as well as a bail application filed on behalf of the defendant.
He informed the court that the prosecution was not opposed to same.
After the charge was read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty to the charge.
In moving the bail application of the defendant, his counsel urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.
He told the court that the defendant was admitted by the prosecution following his health condition, adding that due to his weight, the defendant suffers palpitation.
Besides, he told the court that the offence with which the defendant is charged is a misdemeanor and that the prescribed punishment ranges from a fine of N50,000 or an imprisonment term of six months.
Cubana Arriving Court for Naira Abuse Case
He urged the court to grant bail on very liberal terms to the defendant as he is a first offender with no past criminal records.
His counsel also informed the court that the defendant is an employer of labour with over 1000 employees on his payroll, who are dependent on their jobs.
He, consequently, urged the court to grant his application as moved.
In response, the prosecutor said she would leave the issue of bail to the court’s discretion.
See video of the moment Cubana Chief Priest Stepped Out Of Court Below:
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