EFCC Detains Cubana Chief Priest Ahead of Arraignment for Naira Abuse

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, in preparation for his arraignment today before the Federal High Court in Lagos. Cubana Chief Priest is facing charges bordering on the abuse of the Nigerian currency, the Naira, by allegedly spraying and tampering with it at a social event, which contravenes the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the detention of Cubana Chief Priest, stating that he would be arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on three counts related to the abuse of the Naira.

In the charge filed by the EFCC’s prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), it was alleged that Cubana Chief Priest tampered with N500 notes during a social event at Eko Hotel on February 13, 2024, by spraying them for two hours. Similar incidents were also alleged to have occurred in 2020 and January 2024 during other social events in Lagos.

The EFCC recently secured the conviction of popular cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, on similar charges. The agency clarified that it would focus on investigating and prosecuting new cases of Naira abuse, while appreciating public engagement in combating such acts.