Cubana Chief Priest Seeks Plea Bargain In Naira Abuse Case, Court Adjourns Till June 5

The trial of internet socialite Okechukwu Pascal, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, for alleged abuse of the Naira, took a new turn, on Thursday, as his counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the Federal High Court in Lagos of his intention to pursue a plea bargain agreement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC had arraigned Cubana Chief Priest on a three-count charge of tampering with funds and spraying the Naira at a social event, contrary to the Central Bank Act, 2007.

The court has adjourned the case till June 5 for the parties to report on the outcome of the plea bargain agreement.

At the resumption of trial, Cubana Chief Priest’s counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the defendant’s intention to toe the path of plea bargain subject to Section 14 of the EFCC Establishment Act.

“We have looked at the charge and pursuant to Section 14 of the EFCC Act which encourages plea bargain agreements.

EFCC counsel Bilkisu Buhari confirmed the position.

Ojukwu then prayed the court to give a short date for parties to return and update the court on the deal.

This development comes after Cubana Chief Priest’s counsel withdrew an earlier preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

The EFCC had accused Cubana Chief Priest of spraying N500 notes at an event on February 13, 2024, in violation of the Central Bank Act.