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 FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has said that he is aware many civil servants do not like him.
He shared that he understands why he is unpopular among some civil servants, explaining that funds previously spent on unnecessary conferences are now being redirected to road construction projects.
He said “Some people say conferences for corruption and I say what is that? You are going for conferences to do what? These are ways government funds are being diverted. I say put this money in this road here and the people will get the impact.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reacted to rumours claiming it has approved Adire as the new fabric for the NYSC uniform.
It can be recalled that the Federal Government recently announced plans to review the NYSC uniform, which sparked speculation online that Adire had already been selected as its replacement.
However, the government has clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the new uniform.
“I mentioned Adire during the discussion. I also mentioned Ankara. My intention was simply to cite examples of some of the proposals that have been put forward in the course of our consultations. It was not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform.”
The Federal Government has announced an extension of the NYSC programme. It can be noted that the NYSC camp orientation is usually for three weeks before the youths go out to gain experience, employment, and serve the country for one year.
However, the FG announced that the passing-out parade from camp will be cancelled, and corps members will now spend six weeks in camp instead of three weeks.
“The first two weeks speak to laying a foundation on civic responsibility. The next two weeks will look at career mapping, basic accounting literacy skills, business planning and access to finance. The final two weeks, we intend to have focused corps-stream-specific training aligned with the corps member’s designated stream based on his choice, academic background and skills profile.”
‘Our Aunties No Get Problem’ — Phyna Reflects On Marriage After Turning 30
‘I Refuse To Be Another Woman’s Problem’ — Nkechi Blessing
