A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday, struck out a charge against Instagram celebrity and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu aka Cubana Chief Priest, over alleged abuse of the Naira.
Justice Kehinde Ogundare struck out the charge following the adoption of terms of settlement between Cubana and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC had 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, Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), had informed the court that parties were exploring settlement and had applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
Following the position, defence counsel had then applied for a withdrawal of a preliminary objection filed by defence, and since there was no objection from the prosecution, the court granted same.
The court had then consequently, adjourned the case until June 5, for report of settlement.
On June 5, the case could not go on following absence of the defence counsel who had reportedly written to the court praying for an adjournment.
The court had then adjourned the case until June 25 (today) for report of settlement.
When the case was called on Tuesday, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution while Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) appeared for the defence.
Bilikisu then informed the court that the prosecution had filed the terms of settlement dated June 24 and adopted same.
In response, the defence counsel said he agreed with what the prosecutor said and equally adopted same.
He then urged the court to make the consequential orders of dismissing the case.
In a short ruling, the court held that:
Meanwhile, a copy of the terms of settlement which was obtained by newsmen in court provided as follows:
