Naira abuse: Court adjourns Cubana Chief Priest’s trial

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The federal high court in Lagos has postponed the trial of celebrity barman Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, for suspected naira abuse once more.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged him on April 16 on three counts related to alleged naira abuse.

At a social gathering held at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, he was accused of spraying and tampering with the naira notes.

However, the nightlife promoter entered a not guilty plea and was given N10 million in bail.

The defence attorney, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), told the court during the most recent postponed date of May 2 that the parties were in the process of settling and had requested that the case be resolved in accordance with section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.

After that, Ojukwu requested that the preliminary objection be withdrawn, and the court approved his motion because the prosecution had not objected.

As a result, the court postponed the case until June 5 in order to receive a settlement report.

On Wednesday, NAN learned that the defence had sent a letter requesting a postponement of the trial.

The case will now be mentioned on June 25.

Cubana is well-known for leading an opulent lifestyle and for his relationship with Afrobeats musician Davido.

He served as the general manager of Cubana Groups but left the brand in September 2020 and established Club Xhrine in Owerri, Imo.

The nightlife promoter was honoured with a doctor of science in event and luxury hospitality management degree from the European American University in 2021.

In January 2022, Cubana was appointed as a social media aide to Hope Uzodinma, the governor of Imo state.