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.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion in 13% derivation funds intended for Delta State during his tenure.
Okowa, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, was detained after he voluntarily appeared at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Directorate on Monday in response to an official summons.
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According to an EFCC source, Okowa is accused of failing to account for the N1.3 trillion derived from the federation account, as well as an additional N40 billion he allegedly invested in shares of UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
The investigation suggests that Okowa acquired an 8% stake in a major Nigerian bank to support the offshore LNG venture, with funds purportedly misallocated from state resources.
Beyond the LNG shares, investigators are probing whether Okowa redirected state funds to acquire high-value properties in Abuja and Asaba.
Okowa is currently held at an EFCC facility in Port Harcourt as the inquiry continues.
The high-profile arrest comes as Okowa, who was the vice-presidential running mate to Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, faces scrutiny over his financial conduct in office.
Amid repeated absences from court, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an arrest warrant for Hathiramani Ranesh, Managing Director of Dana Air, who faces charges of fraud and conspiracy tied to alleged misappropriations totaling N1.3 billion.
The ruling, handed down Monday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, calls for Ranesh’s immediate arrest following his failure to respond to multiple court summonses.
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Justice Egwuatu cited Section 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), empowering the court to issue an arrest warrant against defendants who evade appearance.
“The defendant is legally obligated to appear, and the court is authorized to issue a warrant for arrest if he does not,” Justice Egwuatu said, setting January 13, 2025, as the next court date, adding that no objections will be considered unless Ranesh is present.
Ranesh and two Dana Group subsidiaries—Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Ltd—face serious allegations from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
Prosecutors claim that between 2014 and 2018, Ranesh and his companies engaged in fraudulent activities, including the unauthorized sale of industrial generators valued at N450 million, which had been pledged as collateral in a debenture agreement.
Additional charges allege the misappropriation of N864 million from bond funds meant for operations at the Dana Steel Rolling Factory in Katsina, and a N60.3 million transfer to an external account without authorization.
The charges, filed by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Moshood Adeyemi, cite violations under the Criminal Code Act.
In court, government lawyer Mojisola Okeya-Esho argued for the arrest warrant, stating that Ranesh had disregarded court orders to appear for arraignment.
Defense counsel B. Ademola-Bello challenged the prosecution, contending that jurisdictional issues must be addressed before proceeding with the case.
Justice Egwuatu dismissed these objections, underscoring that Ranesh’s presence in court is required before other arguments can be entertained.
The matter is now adjourned until January 13, 2025, with the warrant remaining active until the defendant is brought to court.
In a shocking act of violence, armed assailants targeted the Police Rapid Response Squad facility in Owerrinta early Monday morning, resulting in the tragic death of a female detainee.
The attack occurred shortly after midnight along the Umuahia-Aba Federal Expressway.
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State Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa confirmed the incident, revealing that the gunmen arrived in three Hilux vehicles and opened fire on the police facility.
“Our personnel successfully repelled the attack,” Isa stated.
However, the attackers resorted to using dynamite, causing significant damage to the building and exposing the detainees inside.
During the chaos, the gunmen attempted to free detainees, leading to the fatal shooting of the female suspect.
Unconfirmed reports suggest she was in custody related to a child trafficking case.
In the aftermath of the attack, police swiftly initiated a manhunt for the perpetrators, employing advanced technical methods to track their movements.
Commissioner Isa announced the arrest of one suspect, who is currently undergoing interrogation to uncover the identities of additional accomplices.
“We are making significant progress in our investigation,” he affirmed.
Authorities are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as the investigation continues.
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