In a notable development, Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed the naira abuse charges against the popular bartender, Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest.
The charges, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), were dropped following an out-of-court settlement.
Under the terms of the agreement, Okechukwu will forfeit N10 million to the Nigerian government. This settlement, presented before Justice Ogundare on Tuesday, was ratified during the court proceedings.
Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, counsel for the EFCC, confirmed that both parties had amicably resolved the matter. Okechukwu's lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chikaosolu Ojukwu, praised the EFCC’s pragmatic approach and expressed his client's remorse, assuring that Okechukwu would reform his conduct.
Justice Ogundare, in his brief ruling, adopted the settlement terms and dismissed the charges. The agreement stipulates that Okechukwu will enter a bond with the EFCC to maintain good behavior and avoid financial crimes. He is also required to conduct an intensive awareness campaign against naira abuse, regularly posting educational videos on social media, and contributing N10 million to the consolidated revenue fund of the Federation.
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