Naira abuse: Bobrisky’s lawyer's competence questioned as new suspect dodges trial

In contrast to Bobrisky, Cubana Chief Priest, who is reputed to be wealthier and more influential, did not admit guilt regarding the naira abuse allegation.

The legal proceedings and subsequent conviction of Bobrisky, the infamous celebrity cross-dresser legally named Idris Okuneye, have sparked widespread discussion on X, with Nigerians questioning the capabilities of his legal representation during his trial for naira abuse.

Bobrisky faced sentencing to a six-month prison term without the option of a fine in April, following his admission of guilt for desecrating the naira.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, in delivering the verdict, stated that Bobrisky's sentence should act as a warning to others who disrespect and deface the naira.

Yet, not even a week after Bobrisky's conviction, social media influencer Pascal Okechukwu, known as Cubana Chief Priest, was brought before the court on a similar charge.

However, unlike Bobrisky, Cubana Chief Priest did not enter a guilty plea. As a result, he was released on a ₦10m bail with two sureties matching the amount.

On Thursday, May 2, 2024, as the case resumed, Cubana Chief Priest's attorney, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), notified the court of his client's decision to pursue an out-of-court settlement.

Ojukwu disclosed that his client and the EFCC were considering a settlement in line with section 14 (2) of the EFCC Act.

Should this settlement be reached, the EFCC will retract the naira abuse charges against Cubana Chief Priest.

This turn of events has ignited a flurry of social media activity, with Nigerians scrutinizing the expertise and effectiveness of the attorneys who managed Bobrisky's case.

A prevalent sentiment on X is that Bobrisky might have avoided sentencing if his lawyers had been more adept.

Here are some of the reactions from Nigerians on X as Bobrisky becomes a trending topic.

Naira Ab¥se: Socialite Cubana ChiefPriest and EFCC to settle out of court

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, have agreed to settle the naira ab¥se charge outside of court.

TheNation… pic.twitter.com/obiv4VTDTX

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) May 2, 2024

I ask again, who are the lawyers who represented Bobrisky in court?? Did they actually pass the bar exams? https://t.co/mfuVR8Gmxl

— Pharaoh👳🏾‍♂️👑 (@MrMekzy_) May 2, 2024

Why on earth is Bobrisky in prison?

Are we saying that some people are above the law in our society?

It’s not even about Bobrisky but about our country. https://t.co/qocbC5eFa0

— 🎙OLUOMO OF DERBY 🇳🇬 🇬🇧 (@Oluomoofderby) May 2, 2024

Bobrisky’s lawyers did Bob so dirty. Wicked people

— FEYISAYO❤️🫶🏿 (@Feyisparkles) May 2, 2024

Cubana Chief Priest and EFCC to settle out of court.

At this point, Bobrisky will have to publish the name of his lawyer, so we can avoid him/her.

— Paul of Truth (@iam_paulash) May 2, 2024

Bobrisky is a good example of clients who don’t take good care of their “good lawyers”. They always end up with the other lawyers. 😂

— Adedayo Mustapha (@LawyerDayo) May 2, 2024

Why are you acting like it’s not totally different treatment. Where’s Cubana Chief Priest’s mugshot. The lady that pled guilty before Bobrisky, why wasn’t she jailed. Who told You this out of court settlement won’t come with a plea. https://t.co/g2tLrYKhEP

— Ayobami (@dondekojo) May 2, 2024