Lagos, April 16, 2024 — In a significant development, Pascal Okechukwu, widely recognized by his alias, Cubana Chief Priest, is scheduled to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos this Wednesday. The arraignment is set amidst serious accusations regarding the abuse of the Nigerian currency, an act that contravenes the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has been actively pursuing cases of financial misconduct, has charged the businessman and socialite with a three-count indictment, primarily focusing on his alleged inappropriate handling of the Naira. According to the EFCC, the actions of Cubana Chief Priest during various social events led to this legal action.
Details of the Charges
Cubana Chief Priest is accused of spraying and tampering with N500 notes during a social gathering at the prestigious Eko Hotel on February 13, 2024. It was reported that the act continued for two hours, a violation that has brought the socialite under scrutiny. The charge, filed on April 4 by Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, alongside seven other legal representatives of the EFCC, highlighted the gravity of disrespect shown towards the national currency.
The charges extend beyond a single event. In 2020, during another event in Lagos, Cubana Chief Priest is alleged to have repeated this conduct with N500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, leading to another count in the charges against him. A third incident in January 2024 has also been included in the charge sheet, marking a repeated pattern of behavior that the authorities claim undermines the dignity of the Nigerian currency.
The Legal Framework
Under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007, the actions attributed to Cubana Chief Priest are punishable offenses, addressing the mishandling of the national currency during public events. This legislation is part of broader efforts to preserve the integrity and value of the Nigerian currency, which is often subjected to misuse in social and celebratory contexts.
Recent Precedents
This case follows closely on the heels of the conviction of Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, another prominent figure who was recently sentenced to six months in prison on similar charges. The sentencing of Bobrisky has set a precedent that the EFCC appears keen to uphold as it continues to enforce regulations surrounding the treatment of the naira.
Implications and Public Response
The upcoming arraignment of Cubana Chief Priest has sparked discussions about the enforcement of the Central Bank’s policies and the legal implications for public figures who may disregard these regulations. It raises questions about the consistency of legal actions and the message it sends to the public regarding respect for national symbols like the currency.
As the case unfolds, legal experts and public spectators alike are keenly watching to see how justice will be served in this instance. The broader impact on public behavior and the adherence to financial regulations remains a topic of significant interest, particularly as the EFCC intensifies its crackdown on financial crimes and misconduct.
This case serves as a reminder of the legal boundaries set to protect national symbols and ensure that public conduct remains within the confines of the law. The outcome of this high-profile arraignment may very well set a significant precedent for future cases of similar nature.
