Why is the EFCC After Cubana Chief Priest?

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested social media celebrity Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, for violating the Central Bank Act by mishandling the Nigerian currency. The incident, which involved spraying and tampering with Naira notes, took place at a high-profile social event and has drawn significant attention due to its legal implications.

The charges against Cubana Chief Priest center on his actions during an event at the Eko Hotel on February 13, 2024, where he was reportedly seen dancing and spraying N500 notes, a behavior that directly contravenes the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007. Such acts are seen as disrespect to the national currency and have legal consequences designed to preserve the dignity of the Naira.

The EFCC’s legal documentation, spearheaded by prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), outlines three specific counts against Okechukwu. These include allegations of repeated abuse of the Naira at various social events between 2020 and 2024. Each count refers to similar acts of spraying N500 notes, which the Central Bank of Nigeria issues, emphasizing a pattern of disregard for the law governing currency handling.

Cubana Chief Priest is scheduled to appear before Justice Kehinde Ogundare at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, April 17. This legal action by the EFCC is part of a broader crackdown on currency abuse, highlighted by the recent sentencing of Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, to a six-month jail term for similar offences.

The arraignment of Cubana Chief Priest serves as a stern reminder of the legal boundaries set to protect the sanctity of the national currency. As this case unfolds, it will likely ignite further discussions on the cultural practices of money spraying and their place within the legal framework of Nigeria’s financial system.