The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered celebrity bartender and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, to pay a fine of ₦10 million to the Federal Government.
The fine comes as part of a settlement agreement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over charges of alleged abuse of the Naira.
The court’s decision, delivered by Justice Kehinde Ogundare on Tuesday, adopted the terms of settlement agreed upon by both parties.
As part of the agreement, Cubana Chief Priest will not only pay the hefty fine but also engage in a public awareness campaign against the abuse of Nigerian currency.
Background
In April 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Cubana Chief Priest for allegedly spraying and mishandling the Naira at a social event.
The arraignment came after a similar case against another celebrity, Bobrisky, who was sentenced to six months in prison for Naira abuse.
In 2007, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act was enacted, which explicitly prohibits the abuse of the Naira. Section 21(3) of this Act states that spraying of, dancing or matching on the Naira or any note issued by the Bank during social occasions or otherwise is an abuse of the currency and is punishable by law.
Court Decision
Justice Ogundare ordered Cubana Chief Priest to forfeit ₦10 million to the Federal Government, to be paid into the consolidated revenue fund.
The settlement, based on Section 14(2) of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004, also mandates that the defendant enter into a bond with the EFCC to maintain good behavior and abstain from economic and financial crimes.
Cubana Chief Priest is required to conduct an intensive public awareness campaign against the abuse of Nigerian currency, including posting at least two video clips bi-monthly on his social media platforms to sensitize the public.
The court emphasized that this agreement specifically addresses the violations outlined in the original charge.
Consequently, Justice Ogundare struck out the initial charge against the defendant, marking a resolution that balances punitive measures with efforts to promote public awareness about currency abuse.