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Just In: Court Adjourns Cubana Chief Priest’s Naira Abuse Case To June-25
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa.
A Federal High Court in Lagos has further adjourned the case against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, to June 25. Okechukwu faces charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly abusing the Naira during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos.
The EFCC arraigned Okechukwu on April 17 on a three-count charge for allegedly spraying and tampering with Naira notes, specifically in the denomination of N500, during the event. Okechukwu pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.
At the previous hearing on May 2, the defense counsel, Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court that both parties were exploring a settlement under Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act. Following this, the defense applied for the withdrawal of a preliminary objection, which was granted by the court without opposition from the prosecution. The case was then adjourned to June 5 for a settlement report.
However, on Wednesday, it was reported that the defense had requested another adjournment. Consequently, the court has now fixed the case for mention on June 25
The charges against Okechukwu pertain to the tampering of funds, contravening Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
Social Media Outcry:
The news of the adjournment has sparked significant reactions on social media. Many Nigerians have expressed frustration over the perceived delays in the judicial process, calling for a swift resolution to the case.
Support for Okechukwu:
On the other hand, fans and supporters of Cubana Chief Priest have taken to social media to show their solidarity, arguing that the charges are overly harsh for what they view as a common practice at social events in Nigeria.
Calls for Legal Reform:
Some commentators have used the occasion to call for legal reforms, emphasizing the need for clearer regulations and penalties concerning the misuse of currency, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The upcoming court date on June 25 is now highly anticipated as both the legal community and the public await further developments in this high-profile case.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has described the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a major pillar of support for President Bola Tinubu in particular and Nigerians, especially the vulnerable ones in general.
The FCT Minister, in a goodwill message to the First Lady on her 66th birthday, commended her for the transformation of the Abuja City Gate, saying “the roles the First Lady played in transforming the Abuja City Gate into how it is today, is a manifestation of her commitment to the success of her husband’s administration.”
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister also hailed the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that it has brought succor to several vulnerable Nigerians in the last three years.
Wike said; “At 66, the simple way of life of the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has remained an inspiration to women in the country, and it is my prayer that God will continue to uphold her.
“Most importantly, this new age is a confirmation of God’s love for her, and I pray that the good Lord will continue to grant her good health.
“I celebrate and rejoice with our ever caring and development oriented First Lady on the attainment of this significant age in her life and wish her many more years of service to our country, Nigeria.”
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has sacked one of its staff members for allegedly extorting unsuspecting candidates.
The Board made this known on Monday in its bulletin, stating that the action was part of its renewed efforts to eliminate fraudulent practices within the admission and examination system.
According to JAMB, the sanction against the unnamed staff member showed that its fight against exploitation was not limited to external fraudsters but also applied to employees found abusing their positions.
“The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has terminated the appointment of one of its staff members for extorting unsuspecting candidates, in further demonstration of its renewed commitment to flushing out bad eggs from the system,” the board stated.
It further cautioned its employees against engaging in activities capable of undermining its credibility or exploiting candidates and members of the public.
The Board stressed that any staff members found guilty of misconduct would face severe consequences in line with established regulations.
“The Board noted that the action sends a clear and unequivocal message that its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct applies to everyone, irrespective of status or position,” it added.
The tertiary examination body reiterated that it would not shield any employee who abuses the trust placed in them by candidates or members of the public.
The Senate of the University of Calabar (UniCal) has suspended nine students for one academic session over their involvement in examination misconduct.
According to a statement by the university’s public relations unit and made available in Calabar on Monday, the suspension was conveyed to the affected students in letters signed by the registrar, Chukwuka Icha.
The action, the university said, followed approval by the Senate following recommendations by its Examination Misconduct Committee (SEMC).
“The affected students have been suspended for the 2026/2027 academic session and are expected to resume their studies in the 2027/2028 academic session.
“Five of the affected students are from the Department of Theatre and Media Studies, Faculty of Arts,” it said.
The others are in the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; the Department of Geology, Faculty of Physical Sciences; the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; and the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences,” the statement said.
The university directed the acting chief security officer, deans, heads of departments, and other relevant units to take note of the suspension and ensure full compliance with the directive.
(NAN)
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