A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the case against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, Cubana Chief Priest, to June 25. Okechukwu is facing charges for allegedly abusing Naira notes.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Okechukwu on April 17 on a three-count charge, accusing him of spraying and tampering with Naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail set at N10 million.
During the last hearing on May 2, the defense counsel, Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court that both parties were exploring a settlement, applying for the matter to be resolved under section 14(2) of the EFCC Act. Consequently, the defense requested to withdraw their preliminary objection, which the court granted as there was no opposition from the prosecution. The case was then adjourned to June 5 for a settlement report.
However, on Wednesday, it was learned that the defense had requested a further adjournment. The court has now scheduled the case for mention on June 25.
The charges against Okechukwu allege that he tampered with N500 notes while dancing at the Eko Hotel event, violating section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
