The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Pascal Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, in preparation for his arraignment before the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges related to the abuse of the nation’s currency, the Nigerian Naira.
Cubana Chief Priest is facing three counts of spraying and tampering with N500 notes at social events, which is considered an offence under the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
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The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that Cubana Chief Priest is in custody and is scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on these charges on Wednesday.
The charges against Cubana Chief Priest stem from alleged incidents in 2020 and 2024, where he is accused of tampering with and spraying N500 notes during social events held in Lagos.
These actions are said to violate Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007.
Cubana Chief Priest’s detention and impending arraignment follow a similar case involving popular cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, who was recently convicted and sentenced to six months in prison by the EFCC for similar offences.
The EFCC has stated that it is actively investigating several celebrities for alleged abuse of Naira notes and has urged the public to adhere to laws against currency abuse.
The commission emphasized its commitment to prosecuting individuals involved in such acts to uphold the sanctity of the national currency.
This development underscores the EFCC’s efforts to curb currency abuse and ensure compliance with financial regulations, particularly regarding the handling of the Nigerian Naira.
