Crime
Court Dismisses Naira Abuse Case Against Cubana Chief
In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed charges against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, related to the alleged abuse of the naira.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, follows the adoption of a settlement agreement between the parties involved in the case.
Okechukwu had been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 17, facing accusations of spraying and tampering with Naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos.
Despite pleading not guilty, he was granted bail set at N10 million.
During the recent court session on May 2, Okechukwu’s defense counsel, Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), informed the court of ongoing efforts to settle the matter under the provisions of the EFCC Act.
After seeking permission, he requested the withdrawal of a preliminary objection filed by the defense, which the court granted without opposition from the prosecution.
Consequently, the court adjourned proceedings until June 5 to await a settlement report.
However, on June 5, the case could not proceed as scheduled due to the absence of the defense counsel, who had sent a letter requesting an adjournment.
Subsequently, the court rescheduled the case for June 25 to receive a settlement update.
During the Tuesday session, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari represented the prosecution, while Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) represented the defense.
Mrs. Buhari informed the court that the prosecution had submitted terms of settlement dated June 24, which were endorsed by both parties.
In response, the defense counsel affirmed his agreement with the prosecutor’s statements and likewise adopted the terms of settlement.
He expressed gratitude to the court for its consideration and noted that certain obligations outlined in the settlement terms had already been fulfilled.
The defense counsel urged the court to issue orders dismissing the case accordingly.
In a brief ruling, the court stated: “Upon the mutual agreement of the prosecution and defense under the provisions of the EFCC Establishment Act, and with the presented agreement before the court, this charge is hereby dismissed, and the defendant is cautioned.”
. . . As Operatives Recover Dangerous Weapons, Other Assets
As part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to emplace peace and public safety across Nigeria, operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
The feat saw operatives neutralised three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN), destroyed their camps and recovered weapons.
In a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday, the NPF wrote, “On January 24, 2025, operatives from the Command’s tactical Unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts.
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“The police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA. Upon approach, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
“The operation resulted in the neutralization of 6 members of the terrorist group, with 3 being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21)— all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group.
“Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
“The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
“The IGP charges police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..
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