In a session presided over by Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, May 2, 2024, further proceedings in the trial of Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief, were adjourned until June 5, 2024.
Okechukwu was formally charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 17, 2024, with three counts related to the abuse of the Nigerian currency.
One of the charges alleges that Okechukwu tampered with funds denominated in N500 (Five Hundred Naira) notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria while participating in a social event at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on February 13, 2024. This action is purported to be in violation of Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.
Another charge pertains to a similar incident allegedly occurring in 2020 during a social gathering in Lagos.
During the recent court session, Okechukwu’s legal representative, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, informed the court of his client’s intention to pursue a plea bargain with the EFCC. Furthermore, Ojukwu requested the withdrawal of a previously filed preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction. He emphasized the need for fairness, noting the lack of response from the prosecution to the objection.
The prosecution did not contest the withdrawal of the objection, leading Justice Ogundare to strike out the application. The court subsequently adjourned the proceedings to June 5, 2024.
