A Federal High Court in Lagos has scheduled June 5 for a report on the settlement in the case against celebrity bartender Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, concerning the alleged abuse of the naira.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged Okechukwu with three counts of allegedly spraying and tampering with naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos on April 17.

He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of N10 million. Justice Kehinde Ogundare adjourned the case until May 2 for the hearing of the preliminary objection and trial.

During the recent court session, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution, while Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) represented the defendant.

The defence counsel informed the court that the parties were considering a settlement and applied for the matter to be settled under Section 14(2) of the EFCC Act. He mentioned that if the prosecution confirmed the settlement, there would be a need to withdraw the defence's preliminary objection for reconciliation.

The prosecutor confirmed the settlement consideration and stated that the application was still under review. Consequently, the defence counsel requested the withdrawal of the preliminary objection, which was granted by the court.

The case was adjourned until June 5 for the report on settlement. The charge against the defendant involves tampering with N500 denomination notes while dancing at the social event in Eko Hotels and Suites, contravening Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.

It's worth noting that the EFCC recently secured the conviction of popular cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, on similar charges, resulting in a six-month prison sentence.