Cubana ChiefPriest To Lead Campaign Against Naira Abuse

Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos has resolved the case of Okechukwu Pascal, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, who faced three counts of Naira note abuse presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC acted in accordance with Section 14(2) of its Establishment Act of 2004, which authorises the Commission to compound any offence by taking a sum of money greater than the maximum fine that would have been imposed on conviction. This clause is in combination with clause 174 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

Cubana Chief Priest was fined N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira), a huge increase over the statutory penalty of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) for his offence. This decision came in response to an appeal by the defendant’s attorney, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, for the compounding of the charges under the aforementioned section of the EFCC Act.

EFCC spokesperson stated, “The N10,000,000 fine imposed on Cubana Chief Priest far exceeds the usual penalty for such offences, highlighting the severity of the violation.”

In addition to the monetary fine, Cubana Chief Priest must lead an aggressive campaign against the misuse of coins and notes issued under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act. The court also ordered that he upload at least two sensitization videos on his social media accounts every two months.

“The defendant shall bi-monthly post on his various social media handles a minimum of two video clips of his sensitization campaign against abuse of Naira and sundry offences,” Justice Ogundare ruled.

“These measures are strict deterrents meant to prevent future desecration of the Naira.”

The EFCC reiterated its commitment to enforcing laws against Naira abuse. “The Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarisation of the economy remains in place,” the EFCC stated. “This court ruling should stimulate enhanced commitment among Nigerians to defend the sanctity of the Naira and refrain from any infractions against the nation’s legal tender.”

The case of Cubana Chief Priest establishes a precedent and acts as a warning to others about the dangers of insulting Nigerian currency.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli