EFCC Detains Cubana Chief Priest ahead of arraignment for Naira abuse

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, in preparation for his arraignment today (Wednesday) before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Cubana Chief Priest is set to appear before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on three counts related to the abuse of the nation’s currency, specifically for allegedly spraying and tampering with the naira at a social event. These actions are in violation of the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, stating, “Yes, Cubana Chief Priest is in our custody, and he’ll be arraigned in court tomorrow (Wednesday).”

In a suit filed on April 4, 2024, by the EFCC’s prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), along with seven other lawyers representing the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, it is alleged that Pascal Okechukwu, on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel, within the jurisdiction of the court, tampered with N500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. This action, spraying the currency for two hours while dancing at a social event, is said to have contravened Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.

The charge, marked FHC/L/246/2024 and obtained by The PUNCH, also details an incident in 2020, during another social event in Lagos, where Cubana Chief Priest allegedly engaged in similar actions with N500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Count 3 of the charge alleges: “That you, Okechukwu Pascal, sometime in January 2024, in Lagos during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.”

On April 5, 2024, the EFCC secured the conviction of popular cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, on similar charges, resulting in a six-month imprisonment sentence on Friday, April 12, 2024.

The EFCC had earlier announced that it was investigating several celebrities for alleged abuse of Naira notes. In a statement, spokesperson Dele Oyewale said, “Many of them have made useful statements to the commission, and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter.”

Responding to criticisms, the EFCC clarified its stance, stating that it would overlook old videos exposing such misdemeanors but would focus on investigating and prosecuting new cases. The anti-graft agency emphasized its commitment to combatting Naira abuse, noting that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarisation of the Economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024.

Oyewale stated, “Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the commission to video recordings of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life.”

He continued, “These gestures amply demonstrate the rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo.”

The EFCC assured the public of its dedication to investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in such acts of Naira abuse, expressing gratitude for the public’s engagement in combating this issue.