By Ojukwu Emmanuel Chiadikaobi
Pascal Okechukwu, known widely as Cubana Chief Priest, has been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Lagos State following his arraignment on charges related to the abuse of the Nigerian currency. The court set the bail at N10 million with two sureties required to match the sum.
The socialite and celebrity barman faced the court on Monday, where he was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on three counts. These charges center on allegations that he was seen publicly spraying and mishandling naira notes during an event, actions that contravene the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
Details provided by the court indicate that the alleged incident took place on February 13, 2024, during a lively celebration held at the Eko Hotel, Lagos. It was reported that Cubana Chief Priest committed the offenses while dancing and spraying money at the social gathering.
The judge, Justice Ogundare, emphasized the legal boundaries set by the Central Bank Act which strictly prohibits the abuse of the national currency in any form, including spraying at events—a practice that remains culturally popular but legally contentious in Nigeria.
The bail conditions require that the two sureties supporting Cubana Chief Priest must be residents within the court’s jurisdiction and should provide evidence of tax compliance. The resolution to grant bail came after a brief hearing, during which the defense argued for leniency citing the non-violent nature of the offense.
Cubana Chief Priest, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s entertainment and hospitality industry, has gained immense popularity for his lavish lifestyle and high-profile social gatherings. His case has attracted significant media attention, highlighting the ongoing issues related to cultural practices and legal standards regarding the handling of the naira.
The case is scheduled for further hearing in the coming months, where more details are expected to emerge about the circumstances surrounding the alleged currency mishandling. In the meantime, Cubana Chief Priest’s bail has allowed him temporary respite as he prepares for his defense against these significant legal accusations.