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By Kayode Igundiran
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken decisive action against popular Instagram celebrity Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest. The charges leveled against him revolve around the alleged mishandling of the Nigerian currency, the Naira.
Mr. Okechukwu faces three charges filed by the EFCC on April 4th. He is scheduled to appear before the trial judge, Justice Kehinde Ogundare, at the Federal High Court in Lagos on today andWednesday. The charges stem from incidents where Cubana Chief Priest tampered with N500 notes during various social events.
The arraignment of the Instagram personality comes on the heels of the EFCC’s recent statement that many celebrities would soon face prosecution for naira abuse. Notably, the commission secured the conviction of popular crossdresser Bobrisky, who received a six-month jail sentence for the same offense. The Federal High Court in Lagos imposed this sentence after Bobrisky pleaded guilty to the alleged offenses.
The EFCC remains resolute in its commitment to upholding the law. In a statement, the commission emphasized that no one found culpable would be spared. Social media platforms have been abuzz with video clips capturing instances of naira abuse by other celebrities. The EFCC acknowledges this surge and has invited several celebrities for investigations.
According to a copy of the charge, the charges were formally filed on April 4th by EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), along with seven other lawyers representing the Commission’s Chairman.
The first count accuses Cubana Chief Priest of tampering with funds denominated in N500 notes during a social event held at Eko Hotel in Lagos on February 13, 2024. This act allegedly violates Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.
The second count pertains to a similar offense committed by Cubana Chief Priest during a social event in Lagos in 2020.
The third count alleges that he committed the same offense in January 2024, once again during a social gathering in Lagos.
The spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development to newsmen in a phone conversation.
Oyewale revealed, “Yes, the Cubana Chief Priest is in our custody, and he’ll be arraigned in court tomorrow (Wednesday).”
