News
Cubana Chief Priest Cleared as Court Concludes His Naira Abuse Case
The Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed a charge against Pascal Okechukwu, the celebrity bartender known as Cubana Chief Priest, regarding alleged naira abuse.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought charges against Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, on April 17, accusing him of unlawfully handling and spraying naira notes at a social event held at Eko Hotel in Lagos. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail set at ₦10 million.
During subsequent court proceedings, both parties explored settlement under section 14(2) of the EFCC Act. The defence withdrew a preliminary objection, and after a series of adjournments due to counsel’s absence, they finally presented terms of settlement on June 25. Bilikisu Buhari represented the prosecution, while Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) appeared for the defence. The prosecution filed and adopted the terms, which included the defendant entering into a bond of good behaviour, engaging in public awareness campaigns against naira abuse, and making a financial contribution to the Federation’s revenue fund.
In response, the defence agreed with the terms and requested the court to dismiss the case accordingly. The court, citing the agreement between both parties and pursuant to the EFCC Establishment Act, subsequently struck out the charge against Cubana Chief Priest.
Nigerian Politician and Human Rights Activist, Omoyele Sowore shows up to defend and support the NYSC corp member that has been threatened.
It can be recalled that a viral video has made its way to the country. A young lady who is serving the country laments about the government and President.
The viral video also gained the attention of NYSC, resulting to messaging the corp member. The message ordered the removal of the video and for the lady to report the office on 17th of March, 2025.
However fellow Nigerians and activists have spoken out and called to defend the Corp member against any official threat.
It was reported that Sowore arrived to the local government of the corp member to showcase support in handling the case.
Omoyele Sowore and some activists, including lawyers, accompanied Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member known as Raye, to meet with her Local Government Inspector (LGI) after she was summoned over a viral video.
Raye recently gained attention after she criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration in a TikTok video posted under her handle #talktoraye. In the video, she expressed frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic situation and blamed Tinubu for the country’s struggles, even calling him a “terrible leader.”
Shortly after her comments went viral, Raye claimed that NYSC officials had started threatening her. As a result, she was called to appear at the LGI’s office on Monday for questioning.
On Monday, Sowore, alongside several lawyers, including Festus Ogun, Yinka Oyesomi, and Justice Ojienoh, accompanied Raye to the office to support her. However, according to Sowore, the NYSC officials were nowhere to be found. He shared on his X handle that the LGI failed to show up despite Raye being scheduled to appear.
In a recent development, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has voiced strong support for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye.
Raye recently gained attention after posting a TikTok video expressing her frustrations over the rising cost of living in Nigeria. In the video, she tearfully stated the increasing prices of goods and services, questioning the current administration’s efforts to address these economic challenges.
Following the video’s circulation, Raye alleged that she received threats from NYSC officials, pressuring her to remove the content and cautioning her against making political statements online.
Peter Obi took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to condemn these alleged threats, stating that such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. He emphasized that silencing citizens reflects a corrupt and undemocratic government.
Obi also shared his personal experiences of facing intimidation and harassment for offering constructive criticism of government policies.
Obi called on the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent, underscoring that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.
He urged Nigerians to stand firm and continue advocating for a nation where freedom of speech is upheld, and leadership remains accountable, especially in critical areas like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
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