June 5, 2024

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, further adjourned until June 25 for mention a case against celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest) for alleged abuse of the Naira.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arraigned Okechukwu on April 17, on a three-count charge of allegedly spraying and tampering with the Naira notes during a social event at Eko hotel in Lagos.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.

At the last adjourned date on May 2, the defence counsel, Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), had informed the court that parties were exploring settlement and had applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.

Following the position, defence counsel had then applied for a withdrawal of the preliminary objection, and since there was no objection from the prosecution, the court granted same.

The court had consequently, adjourned the case until June 5, (today) for report of settlement.

However on Wednesday, newsmen gathered that the defence had written a letter seeking an adjournment of the case.

The case has now been fixed for June 25 for mention.

In the charge, the defendant was said to have tampered with the funds in the denomination of N500, while dancing at the social event in Eko hotel.

The offence contravenes the provisions of section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.(NAN)