Just In: EFCC Set to Arraign Cubana Chief Priest for Alleged Naira Abuse

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken legal action against Pascal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest on Instagram, by filing a three-count charge against him.

The charge stems from allegations of violating the Central Bank Act of 2007 during a social event where he allegedly sprayed and tampered with the Nigerian currency, the naira.

This legal action underscores the seriousness with which authorities are approaching cases of financial misconduct and currency abuse.

Scheduled to appear before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 17, 2024, Cubana Chief Priest faces potential legal consequences for his actions.

This development follows closely on the heels of another high-profile case involving Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, who was recently sentenced to six months in prison for similar infractions related to the misuse of the national currency.

According to Nigeria News 247, the charges against Cubana Chief Priest were filed on April 4th by EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) and a team of seven other lawyers representing the commission’s chairman. The charges detail multiple instances of alleged misconduct, dating back to January 2024 and extending to February of the same year, where Cubana Chief Priest purportedly engaged in activities deemed contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act.

In Count 1 of the charges, it is alleged that on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel in Lagos, Cubana Chief Priest, while participating in a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying them for a duration of two hours. This act is said to constitute an offense punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.

Count 2 of the charges dates back to a similar incident allegedly occurring sometime in 2020, also in Lagos during a social event, where Cubana Chief Priest is accused of tampering with N500 notes by spraying them for two hours, contravening the provisions of the Central Bank Act.

In Count 3, the charges allege that Cubana Chief Priest repeated the offense in January 2024, again in Lagos during a social event, by tampering with N500 notes, thereby committing an offense punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.

This legal action highlights the EFCC’s commitment to upholding financial regulations and combating financial crimes, regardless of the individual’s social status or public profile. It serves as a reminder of the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with the handling and use of the national currency, as outlined in relevant legislation.