A Federal High Court in Lagos State has struck out a case against Cubana Chief Priest, whose real name is Pascal Okechukwu, for allegedly abusing the Naira. The celebrity bartender was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 17 on a three-count charge of spraying and tampering with Naira notes during a social event at the Eko Hotel in Lagos. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.

The EFCC alleged that the socialite was caught spraying Naira notes during a social event at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, which contravenes the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007. However, Justice Kehinde Ogundare struck out the charge following the adoption of terms of settlement between parties to the suit.

The terms of the settlement include Cubana Chief Priest entering into a bond with the EFCC to be of good behavior and never indulge in any economic and financial crime or related offenses. He is also expected to engage in rigorous and intensive sensitization and/or campaign against the abuse of coins and notes issued under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act as legal tender.

Additionally, Cubana Chief Priest is expected to bi-monthly post on his various social media handles a minimum of two video clips of his sensitization/campaign against the abuse of Naira and sundry offenses. He is also expected to pay N10 million to the consolidated revenue fund of the Federation.

The case was adjourned until June 5 for a report of settlement, but the absence of the defense counsel, who had written to the court praying for an adjournment, stalled the case. The court then adjourned the case until June 25 for the report of the settlement.

When the case was called on June 25, the prosecution and defense counsel informed the court that the terms of settlement had been filed and adopted . The defense counsel then urged the court to make the consequential orders of dismissing the case.

In a short ruling, the court held that, “Upon the agreement of the prosecution and defense pursuant to the EFCC Establishment Act, the agreement having been presented to the court, this charge is hereby struck out as the defendant is hereby cautioned”.

The EFCC had earlier secured the conviction of popular cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, on similar charges for which he was sentenced to six-month imprisonment. The EFCC had also revealed that it was probing several celebrities over alleged abuse of Naira notes.

In conclusion, the case against Cubana Chief Priest for alleged abuse of the Naira has been struck out following a settlement between the parties. The terms of the settlement include Cubana Chief Priest entering into a bond with the EFCC, engaging in sensitization and campaign against the abuse of Naira, and paying N10 million to the consolidated revenue fund of the Federation. The case highlights the importance of handling the Naira with care and respecting the country's currency.