The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted bail to businessman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, in the sum of N10 million.
Cubana Chief Priest had entered a plea of not guilty to charges of tampering and abusing the naira during his trial on Wednesday.
Appearing before Justice Kehinde Ogundare, the socialite faced three counts related to spraying and tampering with Naira notes during a social event held at the Eko Hotel in Lagos.
During the court proceedings on Wednesday, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari represented the prosecution, while Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, appeared on behalf of the defendant.
The defense counsel presented a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction and a bail application for the defendant. It was noted that the prosecution did not oppose these motions.
Following the reading of the charges, Cubana Chief Priest pleaded not guilty.
In presenting the bail application, the defense counsel requested the court to grant bail to the defendant under liberal terms.
It was highlighted that the prosecution had acknowledged the defendant’s health condition, citing palpitations due to his weight.
Additionally, it was argued that the offense in question was a misdemeanor, with a prescribed punishment of either a fine of N50,000 or a six-month imprisonment term.
The defense emphasized the defendant’s status as a first-time offender with no prior criminal record.
Furthermore, it was stated that Cubana Chief Priest is an employer with over 1000 employees reliant on their jobs.
The defense urged the court to consider these factors and grant bail to the defendant as per their application.
In response, the prosecutor deferred the decision on bail to the discretion of the court.
The court subsequently granted the businessman N10million bail with two sureties in like sum.