- Legal experts weigh in on the contrasting treatments between the two cases.
- Cubana Chief Priest pleaded not guilty to naira abuse charges during his trial.
- EFCC arraigned Cubana Chief Priest for alleged naira abuse.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, was granted a ₦10 million bail with two sureties by the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, April 17.
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This ruling differed from that of Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, who received a six-month imprisonment for a similar offense of currency abuse from the same court.
The court’s decision has sparked debate on social media. Legal expert Okanlawon Gaffar, in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, provided a layman’s explanation of the contrasting judgments.
The legal expert stated that Cubana Chief Priest pleaded not guilty to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) accusation of naira abuse.
He emphasized that unless the EFCC can provide substantial evidence, the socialite has no obligation to defend himself.
Before Justice Kehinde Ogundare, he faced three counts of naira abuse, accused of spraying and tampering with the local currency at social gatherings.
The EFCC stated that the allegation against Cubana Chief Priest violated the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
Explaining the court’s decision to grant bail, Gaffar emphasized that the EFCC must substantiate the allegations against the socialite.
Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned by the EFCC, while Bobrisky admitted to the offense at the trial’s outset. Despite this, the court could have imposed imprisonment or a fine on Bobrisky.
In contrast, on Wednesday, April 17, Cubana Chief Priest pleaded not guilty to allegations of naira abuse during the trial.
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He said “Cubana Chief Priest pleaded not guilty and wants to join issues with the EFCC. Upon pleading not guilty, it means the onus is now on the prosecutor, that is, the EFCC, to prove beyond reasonable doubt that what they have accused him of, he truly committed the offence.”
The legal expert elaborated that Cubana Chief Priest’s bail allowed him to answer questions by coming from his home.
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