The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opted for an out-of-court settlement with celebrity barman, Cubana Chief Priest (Pascal Okechukwu), in contrast to the recent case of Bobrisky (Idris Okuneye), who was sentenced to six months in prison without the option of a fine.
Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned on April 17, 2024, on a three-count charge related to the abuse of the Nigerian currency, the Naira, at a social gathering, violating the Central Bank Act of 2007. However, on Thursday, his lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), announced that both parties had agreed to settle out of court, pursuant to Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
The EFCC prosecutor, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, confirmed the development, stating that the Commission was still considering the application. The court subsequently granted a withdrawal of the preliminary objection and adjourned the case until June 5 for a report on the settlement.
This outcome differs from Bobrisky’s case, where he was handed a six-month jail sentence last month without the option of a fine, sparking concerns among Nigerians about the fairness of the justice system.
Many had expected Cubana Chief Priest to face a similar fate, but the out-of-court settlement has raised questions about the EFCC’s discretionary powers and the consistency of the justice system.
The settlement has also sparked debate about the role of celebrity status in influencing the outcome of legal cases, with some arguing that Cubana Chief Priest’s social standing may have played a factor in the EFCC’s decision to settle out of court.
As the case continues on June 5, Nigerians will be watching closely to see if the settlement will be approved and what implications this may have for future cases involving high-profile individuals.
The EFCC’s willingness to settle out of court in this instance may be seen as a positive development in the fight against corruption, as it allows for a more efficient resolution of cases and potentially frees up resources to pursue more complex and serious cases.
However, it also raises questions about the need for consistency and transparency in the application of justice, to ensure that all individuals are held to the same standards, regardless of their social status or influence.
