Businessman and Socialite “Cubana Chief Priest” to be Arraigned for Alleged Abuse of Naira

In a startling development, Pascal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest, is set to face legal proceedings before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is bringing charges against the prominent businessman and socialite, accusing him of abusing the Nigerian currency, the naira.

According to the EFCC’s prosecutor, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rotimi Oyedepo, Cubana Chief Priest will be arraigned on a three-count charge related to his alleged actions at a social event held on February 13, 2024, at the prestigious Eko Hotel in Lagos. It is claimed that during the event, Cubana Chief Priest, while dancing, engaged in the act of “spraying” naira notes, specifically N500 denominations, for a duration of two hours.

These actions, as outlined in the charge filed on April 4, are said to be in violation of the Central Bank Act of 2007, which prohibits the mistreatment and defacing of Nigerian currency. The charge alleges that Cubana Chief Priest’s actions constitute an offense under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.

The arraignment, scheduled before Justice Kehinde Ogundare, marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to combat financial crimes and uphold the integrity of the nation’s currency. Cubana Chief Priest, a well-known figure in Nigeria’s social scene, faces potential legal consequences if found guilty of the charges leveled against him.

As the case unfolds, it is expected to draw considerable attention from both the public and legal observers, shedding light on the boundaries of social conduct and the legal implications of actions that may seem innocuous to some but are deemed unlawful by the authorities.

The forthcoming legal proceedings have already sparked discussions across various sectors of society, with opinions divided on the severity of the alleged offense and the appropriate course of action.

Some argue that Cubana Chief Priest’s actions, while perhaps culturally ingrained in certain social settings, should not be considered criminal behavior deserving of legal prosecution. They suggest that the spraying of money at events is a common practice in Nigerian social gatherings and is often viewed as a symbol of generosity and celebration rather than a deliberate attempt to deface currency.

However, proponents of strict adherence to financial regulations maintain that the law must be upheld impartially, regardless of one’s social status or public persona. They emphasize the importance of respecting legal frameworks aimed at preserving the stability and integrity of the nation’s financial system.

The case also raises questions about the role of social influencers and celebrities in promoting responsible behavior and compliance with legal standards. As individuals with significant influence over large audiences, public figures like Cubana Chief Priest are under increased scrutiny for their actions, both on and off social media platforms.

In the wake of the impending trial, Cubana Chief Priest has yet to publicly comment on the allegations or the legal proceedings against him. It remains to be seen how he will respond to the charges and whether he will mount a defense in court.

As Nigerians await the outcome of this high-profile case, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability at all levels of society, regardless of one’s stature or popularity. Read Similar Story