The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday, arraigned a businessman Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, before a Federal High Court in Lagos over abuse of the naira. .

He was arraigned on three counts of spraying and tampering with the Naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

When the case was called on Wednesday, Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution while Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, announced appearance for the defendant.

The defence counsel then first informed the court of a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction as well as a bail application filed on behalf of the defendant.

He informed the court that the prosecution was not opposed to same.

After the charge was read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In moving the bail application of the defendant, counsel urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.

He told the court that the defendant was admitted by the prosecution following his health condition, adding that due to his weight, the defendant suffers palpitation

Besides, he told the court that the offence with which the defendant was charged is a misdemeanour and that the prescribed punishment ranges from a fine of N50,000 to an imprisonment term of six months.

He urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms to the defendant as he is a first offender with no past criminal records.

The counsel also informed the court that the defendant is an employer of labour with over 1000 employees on his payroll, who are dependent on their jobs.

He, consequently, urged the court to grant his application as moved

In response, the prosecutor said she would leave the issue of bail to the discretion of the court.

The court has yet to deliver a ruling on the bail.

(NAN)