EFCC arrests Cubana Chief Priest on alleged money laundering, tax fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested Nigerian socialite Cubana Chief Priest on charges bordering on money laundering and tax fraud, officials familiar with the matter said.
Pascal Okechukwu, his real name, was arrested at the Lagos airport on Thursday, but anti-graft officials hushed the development amidst pressure from his associates and family, who said the matter could complicate conditions for others likely connected to the alleged racket.
Mr Okechukwu’s arrest has made it impossible for him to return birthday greetings from his nearly four million Instagram followers, Peoples Gazette understand, with only his wife being permitted to see him in custody.
It was not immediately clear when he would be granted bail or the level of information officials had been able to squeeze from him as of Saturday night.
“The matter is still under investigation,” a source said anonymously.
Cubana Chief Priest has gained nationwide acclaim as an ambassador for many national brands, including Bullet and LVMH.
His arrest came weeks after another socialite Obi Cubana was arrested by the anti-narcotics agency NDLEA.
The Gazette has contacted the EFCC for comments.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Tinubu felicitates Shettima at 60, calls him trusted ally
“Today, I warmly congratulate Vice President Kashim Shettima, my brother and partner in steering the ship of our state, on his 60th birthday,” he said.
Sport
Stan Kroenke agrees to buy Los Angeles Angels
Mr Kroenke, through his company Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), entered an agreement to acquire the Los Angeles Angels from the Moreno Family.
Health
Katsina health workers to begin seven-day warning strike September 8
The notice, addressed to the state head of service, followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the Katsina State government on August 11.
Africa
WHO restricts Ervebo vaccine use in Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak
WHO issued new emergency guidance on using the licensed Ervebo vaccine during Bundibugyo virus disease outbreaks.
![Ebonyi state governor, Francis Nwifuru [Photo: Twitter]](https://gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Ebonyi-state-governor-Francis-Nwifuru-Photo-Twitter.png)
Politics
2027: Lose to opposition, get sacked, Gov. Nwifuru threatens Ebonyi LG chairmen
“Any chairman who fails to win his council will be removed from office and replaced with a councillor,” Mr Nwifuru said.
Education
Non-academic unions begin indefinite strike in Ondo state-owned universities
Affected institutions include Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), and the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED).
