The trial of popular socialite and nightlife connoisseur Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, was postponed by the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday until June 25, 2024.

The celebrity barman is facing three counts of alleged abuse and mutilation of the Naira.

Recall that on April 17, 2024, Cubana Chief Priest was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for allegedly misting and tampering with Naira notes during a social gathering held at the Eko Hotel in Lagos.

Cubana Chief Priest in court today, Wednesday, June 5, 2024 | Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers

However, he pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him and was granted a bail set at N10m.

In the prior hearing on May 2, Chief Priest’s lawyer, Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), told the court that both parties were considering a settlement under Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.

The EFCC attorney, Bilkisu Buhari, verified Ojukwu’s bargain regarding the possibility of a plea deal.

The attorney representing Chief Priest then asked for a brief adjournment so that the parties could update each other on the status of the settlement.

In addition, he withdrew a preliminary objection contesting the jurisdiction of the court, which the court later rejected.

The case was then adjourned to June 5, 2024, for a settlement report.

Nonetheless, when the case was brought before Justice Kehinde Ogundare today, June 5, it was revealed that Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu was unable to appear and had asked for a second postponement.

As a result, the case’s hearing date was moved to June 25, 2024.

According to the EFCC’s accusations, Cubana Chief Priest violated Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007 by allegedly tampering with N500 notes while dancing at a social gathering.

Chief Priest’s arraignment came a few weeks after popular Nigerian crossdresser, Okuneye Idris, popularly known as Bobrisky was arrested and charged with the same crime by the EFCC.

Cubana Chief Priest Naira Abuse Case Adjourned To June 25th

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