The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Tuesday, struck out the suit against celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest) over alleged abuse of the Naira.
The judge also directed Okechukwu to forfeit the sum of N10million to the Federal Government as part of an out-of-court deal the defendant
agreed with the EFCC in lieu of the charge.
Justice Kehinde Ogundare struck out the charge following the adoption of terms of settlement between parties to the suit.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Okechukwu on April 17, on a three-count charge of allegedly spraying and tampering with the Naira notes during a social event at the Eko hotel in Lagos.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.
At the last adjourned date on May 2, defence counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court that parties were exploring settlement and applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
In a short ruling, the court held that: “Upon the agreement of the prosecution and defence pursuant to the EFCC Establishment Act, the agreement having been presented to the court, this charge is hereby struck out as the defendant is hereby cautioned.”
Meanwhile, a copy of the terms of settlement which was obtained by newsmen in court provided as follows:
“The agreement applies only to the findings relating to the contravention of the law contained in the pending charge preferred against the defendant.
Meanwhile, a copy of the terms of settlement which was obtained by newsmen in court provided as follows:
“The agreement applies only to the findings relating to the contravention of the law contained in the pending charge preferred against the defendant.
“The defendant shall enter into a bond with the EFCC to be of good behaviour and never indulge in any Economic and Financial Crime or related offences.
“The defendant shall bi-monthly post on his various social media handles a minimum of two video clips of his sensitization/campaign against abuse of naira and sundry offences.
“The Defendant shall pay to the consolidated revenue fund of federation such sum not below the sum of N10 million only upon the execution of this agreement.”
