Naira mutilation: EFCC goes after more celebrities, set to arraign Instagram Star Cubana Chief Priest for Naira abuse

..Forgive me, no more spraying of money – Singer Portable begs EFCC

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a three-count charge against popular Instagram personality Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, for allegedly spraying and tampering with the naira during a social gathering, contravening the Central Bank Act of 2007.

Recall that the EFCC has been conducting investigations into several celebrities involved in naira abuse, with many of them providing useful statements to the Commission while others have been invited for questioning.

The EFCC emphasised its commitment to impartiality, stating that there will be no sacred cows.

Cubana Chief Priest is scheduled to appear before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024.

The charge was filed on April 4th by EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), along with seven other lawyers representing the Commission’s chairman.

…Forgive me, no more spraying of money — Singer Portable begs EFCC

In a related development, Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola, commonly known as Portable, has pleaded with the EFCC for spraying money on his fans.

Following crossdresser Okuneye Idris, widely known as Bobrisky, receiving a six-month prison sentence, Nigerians, especially celebrities known for publicly spraying Naira, have become more cautious.

Recall Portable’s statement where he mentioned offering his fans spray paint worth approximately N2 million daily.

In a live chat on Tuesday, the street artist emphasised that his actions aim to promote kindness among people.

The head of the Zeh Nation label begged for pardon from the government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an anti-graft agency, looking afraid of the repercussions when video surfaced of him spraying cash.

Announcing that he would only be making transfers, Portable urged his fans to get bank accounts and said he would no longer be spraying money.

In Portable’s words, “I didn’t deface the Naira, I help a lot of people, After God na Government, Please forgive me if you have videos of me spraying money, no more spraying of money.”