Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has been granted bail in the sum of N10 million by the Federal High Court in Lagos State.
The businessman and socialite had pleaded not guilty to charges of tampering and abusing the Nigerian currency during a social event at Eko hotel in Lagos.
The court proceedings saw Mrs Bilikisu Buhari representing the prosecution, while Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, appeared for the defendant.
The defense counsel raised a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction and also filed a bail application on behalf of the defendant, which the prosecution did not oppose.
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Upon reading the charges to the defendant, he maintained his plea of not guilty.
The defense counsel then presented a bail application, requesting that the court grant the defendant bail on lenient terms.
The counsel argued that the defendant’s health condition, particularly his weight, causes palpitations and that the offense he is charged with is a misdemeanor.
The prescribed punishment for such an offense includes a fine of N50,000 or a six-month imprisonment term.
The defense counsel emphasized that the defendant is a first-time offender with no previous criminal records and is also an employer of over 1000 individuals who depend on their jobs.
In response, the prosecutor left the decision of granting bail to the discretion of the court.
The court will now consider the arguments presented by both parties and make a decision regarding the bail application.
