Bisina SomtoThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested and is set to arraign Instagram sensation, Cubana Chief Priest, for alleged abuse of the Nigerian currency, the naira. This move by the EFCC follows its recent statement that several celebrities would soon face prosecution for similar offences.
Pascal Okechukwu, known as Cubana Chief Priest, is facing three charges filed by the EFCC on 4 April. He is scheduled to appear before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos this Wednesday for arraignment. The charges, filed by EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), allege that Mr Okechukwu tampered with N500 notes during various social events.
This development comes shortly after the conviction of another popular figure, Bobrisky, who was sentenced to six months in jail for naira abuse. The Federal High Court in Lagos handed down the sentence after Bobrisky, whose real name is Idris Okunneye, pleaded guilty to the charges.
READ ALSO:Bobrisky Sentenced To Six Months For Naira Abuse
The EFCC, in its statement following Bobrisky’s conviction, vowed to prosecute anyone found culpable of naira abuse, emphasizing its commitment to upholding the law without favouritism.
The EFCC has observed an increase in public awareness and reports of naira abuse by celebrities, both past and present. The Head of Media and Publicity for EFCC, Dele Oyewale, acknowledged this surge and disclosed that several celebrities have been invited for questioning, leading to valuable information being obtained.
The charges against Cubana Chief Priest outline two instances of alleged naira abuse. Count 1 accuses him of tampering with N500 notes during a social event at Eko Hotel on 13th February 2024. Similarly, Count 2 alleges a similar offence during a 2020 event in Lagos. Both charges cite violations of Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007, which prohibits the abuse of the Nigerian currency.
The third count of the charge against the celebrity alleged “that you Okechukwu Pascal sometime in January 2024, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.”
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
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