This was stated in the terms of the settlement agreement that was approved by Trial Judge Kehinde Ogundare on Tuesday, together with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Lagos, Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court dismissed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) accusation of naira abuse against well-known bartender Pascal Okechukwu, also referred to as Cubana Chief Priest.
In accordance with an out-of-court agreement the defendant made with the EFCC in exchange for the charge, the judge further ordered Okechukwu to forfeit the sum of N10 million to the Federal Government.
This was stated in the terms of the settlement agreement that was approved by Trial Judge Kehinde Ogundare on Tuesday, together with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
At the proceedings, Counsel for the EFCC, Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, informed the court that parties in the charge entered into the out of-court settlement and same was duly signed by both parties.
The defendant’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chikaosolu Ojukwu commended the reasonable action of the anti-graft agency in having the matter resolved. He said the defendant is equally remorseful and promises to turn over a new leaf going forward.
Ojukwu also said that the consequences of the settlement is for the court to dismiss the charge.
Justice Ogundare in his short ruling adopted the terms of settlement and consequently struck out the charge.
The terms of settlement agreement pursuant to Section 14 (2) of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004, read:
“The agreement applies only to the findings relating to contraventions of the law contained tn the pending charge preferred against the defendant.
“The defendant entered into a bond with the EFCC to be of good behaviour and never indulge in any Economic and Financial Crime or related offences.
“The Defendant shall engage in rigorous and intensive sensitisation and/or campaign against the abuse of coins and notes issued under the CBN Act as legal tender.
“The defendant shall bi-monthly post on his various social media handles a minimum of two video clips of his sensitisation/campaign against abuse of naira and sundry offences.
“The Defendant shall pay to the consolidated revenue fund of Federation such sum not below the sum of Ten million naira (N10,000,000:00) only upon the execution af this agreement.”