The recent bail grant of ₦10 million with sureties in like sum to Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has stirred reactions among Nigerians.
Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on three counts bordering on Naira abuse. Despite pleading not guilty, the court granted him bail on the condition of ₦10 million with two sureties in like sum, both of whom must be gainfully employed with the federal or state government and not below grade level 16.
This development has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some observers pointing out the contrast between Cubana Chief Priest’s bail and the denial of bail to controversial figure Bobrisky for a similar offense before his trial. Questions have emerged regarding the disparate rulings for what seems to be the same offense.
Expressing his thoughts on Twitter, @Olamide0fficial remarked, “Bobrisky got 6 months jail, Cuban Chief Priest got 10 million naira fine for the same offence. This life is not balanced.”
@LawrenceOkoroPG quoted Cubana Chief Priest’s Instagram post, stating, “Cubana Chief Priest just posted on his IG account. ‘Now it’s confirmed Chief Priest no small’ Money na Water.’ This case was just for transactional purposes as a cover-up for jailing Bob Risky for his gay activities.”
@47kasz raised doubts, saying, “I’m starting to believe there was more to jailing Bobrisky than the mutilation of naira cos if the court can grant Cubana chief priest bail for the same offence then why is Bobrisky jailed for 6 months.”
@Abazz highlighted the contrasting statements made by the two individuals: “Bobrisky said he is guilty and they arrested him. Cubana chief priest said he is not guilty and they released him. Try dey lie no be every truth go set you free.”
@AsiwajuLerry expressed confusion, asking, “Can someone explain to me, like a 5 years old, why Cubana Chief Priest was granted bail and Bobrisky wasn’t.”
@Bummiearo clarified the concept of bail, stating, “Some of you don’t understand what bail means. This is not a judgement. The case continues but Cubana will not be in the custody of EFCC or sleep in a cell while trial is ongoing. Bobrisky said he is guilty. So no need for any trial again. The next was to pass judgement.”