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 Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
SEE ALSO: Malami Speaks Out On Court Ruling, Urges Nigerians To Stay Calm
“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
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The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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