On Wednesday, April 17th, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court, Lagos on three counts bordering on abuse of Naira by allegedly spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event, contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007. He was alleged to have sprayed Naira notes on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel. Cubana Chief Priest was said to have also committed the offenses while dancing during a social event. He was also said to have mutilated Naira notes in the denomination of N500 notes issued by the CBN by spraying the same for two hours.
The Charges
In the case filed as FHC/L/ 246/2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission accused Cubana Chief Priest of abusing and mutilating notes in the N500 denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria during a social event in Lagos in 2020, by spraying the currency notes for two hours.
Count 3 of the charge alleges “That Okechukwu Pascal, at a social event in Lagos in January 2024, tampered with funds in the denomination of N500 (Five Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying the same, thereby committing an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.”
Cubana pleaded not guilty to the charges of abusing and tampering with the Naira and was granted bail to the tune of N10m bail with two sureties in like sum.
His release on bail has however elicited reactions about the fairness of the judgment and subsequent imprisonment of internet personality, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, who for a similar offense was sentenced to six months imprisonment on Friday, April 12, 2024.
The Difference Between Cubana And Bobrisky Cases
In Bobrisky’s case, he admitted guilt to the charges brought against him by the EFCC. This admission led to the judge issuing a verdict promptly, as his acknowledgment of the crime eliminated the need for a trial. On the other hand, Cubana pleaded not guilty to the charges of Naira abuse. Consequently, he was released on bail pending trial. The burden of proof now rests on the EFCC to substantiate their allegations and demonstrate, with convincing evidence, that Cubana did indeed misuse the Naira.
The difference in pleas by Bobrisky and Cubana highlights contrasting legal strategies and potential outcomes. Bobrisky’s admission of guilt streamlined the legal process, resulting in a quicker resolution. In contrast, Cubana’s not-guilty plea necessitates a trial where the prosecution must present sufficient evidence to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The bail granted to Cubana states the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in the eyes of the law. The 10 million Naira bail, held by the court, serves as a safeguard against flight risk. Should Cubana abscond before the conclusion of his trial, the bail amount provides financial assurance to the court. Thus, he remains under legal scrutiny while awaiting the outcome of his case, with the bail ensuring his presence in court proceedings.
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