The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Pascal Okechukwu, a popular Lagos socialite known as Cubana Chief Priest. It says it is filing charges against him bordering on Naira abuse.
The agency is accusing Mr. Okechukwu of unlawfully spraying and tampering with the Nigerian currency. It cited several social gatherings the offence was committed in contravention of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
He is expected to appear before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on Wednesday, April 17.
The Charges
In a document filed since April 4 by the EFCC’s prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Cubana Chief Priest faces three counts. All counts are related to the instances of abuse, tampering, and spraying of the Naira.
In Count 1, it is alleged that on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel, Cubana Chief Priest “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 offense, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.”
Count 2 accuse him of similar actions during a social event in Lagos in 2020, violating same law.
Count 3 allege similar conduct at another Lagos event in January 2024, in violation of the law.
Apprehension Cuts Through socialites
This development is causing ripples and anxiety among high-profile socialites in a country where money-spraying had become a cultural norm.
Last week, Idris Okuneye, the crossdresser known as Bobrisky, was sentenced to a six-month jail term for a similar crime.
The reason behind the anti-graft agency’s delayed enforcement of the law amidst the prevalent culture of money-spraying remains unclear. Its intent for these prosecutions is also a mystery. And the extent to which the agency plans to enforce consequences as a deterrence against money-spraying remains to be seen.
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