The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and celebrity barman, Cubana Chief Priest, have agreed to settle the naira abuse charge against the socialite out of court. The decision for an out-of-court settlement was revealed at the resumption of proceedings on Thursday. Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution, while Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) represented the defendant.
During the proceedings, the defense counsel informed the court that both parties were exploring settlement and applied for the matter to be settled pursuant to the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act. This development comes after the Federal High Court in Lagos State granted Cubana Chief Priest N10 million bail with two sureties in like sum on April 17.
Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on three counts bordering on the abuse of naira, spraying, and tampering with the nation's currency at a social event, contravening the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007. The socialite was alleged to have sprayed the naira on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel, during a social event. The agreement for an out-of-court settlement suggests a possible resolution to the legal matter outside of a formal trial.
