An internet socialite, Okechukwu Pascal, otherwise known as Cubana Chief Priest, has informed a Federal High Court in Lagos that he has abandoned his preliminary objection against the alleged Naira abuse preferred against him by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to Cubana Chief Priest, he has initiated a plea bargain agreement with the EFCC, seeking out-of court settlement in the matter.
When the matter came up for hearing on Thursday, lawyer to Cubana Chief Priest, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), told Justice Kehinde Ogundare of his client’s intention to toe the path of plea bargain in line with Section 14 of the EFCC Establishment Act.
Ojukwu said, “We have looked at the charge and pursuant to Section 14 of the EFCC Act, which encourages plea bargain agreements, we intend to toe the path.”
Responding, lawyer to the EFCC, Bilkisu Buhari, confirmed the development, saying that Cubana Chief Priest had opted for plea bargain agreements with the commission.
Ojukwu then urged the court to give a short adjournment for the parties to return and inform the court on terms of settlement.
The Senior Advocate further informed the court that he would be withdrawing the preliminary objection he earlier filed, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the charge.
Ojukwu then said, “In the interest of justice, we are urging the court to strike out the motion since the prosecution has not responded to it.”
In his short ruling in the matter, Justice Ogundare struck out the preliminary objection.
It is instructive to note that the EFCC.
had on April 17, arraigned Cubana Chief Priest on a three-count charge of alleged Naira abuse while the internet socialite pleaded not guilty to the offence.
One the counts reads in part : That you, Okechukwu Pascal, on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while dancing during a social event , tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.”
Justice Ogundare has adjourned the case till June 5 for report on the plea bargain agreements.
