Businessman and Lagos socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest prefer to reach an out-of-court agreement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the Naira abuse charges against him.
The trial of the socialite continued at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday, May 2 from April 17 when it was adjourned.
During proceedings, Mr. Okechukwu’s lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, told the judge, Justice Kehinde Ogundare that his client wants to settle his case out-of-court, as Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act provides for.
Chikaosolu said if the EFCC concurs to his position, then there will be a need for his side to withdraw their preliminary objections filed against the charges, to allow for a possible reconciliation.
When asked, the EFCC prosecutor, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, said the Commission was open to such a consideration.
The defense counsel, to show good faith, then applied to withdraw the preliminary objection, which the court granted, on no objections from the EFCC.
The trial has been adjourned to June 5 for a report of settlement.
What Is Chief Priest’s Offense?
Earlier, on April 16, the EFCC had filed three charges against Chief Priest for allegedly spraying and tampering with the Naira at events held at Eko Hotel on February 13, 2024, another event in Lagos in January 2024, and a separate event in 2020. He was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on April 17.
Chief Priest pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was then granted bail in the sum of N10 million, with two sureties in like sum.
Meanwhile, controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye better known as Bobrisky has been in jail for similar offences. His lawyers however have since filed an appeal against his imprisonment.
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