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.”
Social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on orders from Police Commissioner Igwe of the Federal Capital Territory Command.
According to activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju, VeryDarkMan was being detained for allegedly exposing an individual involved in defrauding a Nigerian abroad.
Adeyanju criticized the Police for opting to arrest VeryDarkMan for defamation instead of pursuing the alleged fraudster.
He stated, “Our client, @thatverydarkman has just been arrested by the police on the instruction of CP Igwe for exposing someone who allegedly duped a Nigerian abroad. Instead of the police to arrest the person alleged to have duped someone, they arrested VDM on allegation of defamation.”
The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of eight individuals, including a female suicide bomber and her baby, following an explosion at Mararraba ‘T’ Junction in Gwoza local government area.
Fifteen others were injured in the blast.
The incident occurred on Saturday, as reported by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso.
According to Daso, the female suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) wrapped with her baby at the busy junction, resulting in the casualties.
He said “The suicide bomber wrapped a baby on her back with the IED and detonated it when people were accessing the popular Mararaba ‘T’ Junction on Saturday in Gwoza town on Saturday, the 29 of June.
“Eight persons, including the suicide bomber and the baby died while 15 others sustained various degrees of injuries.”
Tragedy struck on Saturday when a female suicide bomber detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at a wedding venue in Gwoza town.
The attack has left several guests dead and many others injured.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bomber, who was carrying a baby on her back, infiltrated the wedding celebration before detonating the explosive.
The exact number of casualties is still unclear, but numerous injured individuals have been transported to Gwoza General Hospital for treatment.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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