Celebrity bartender, Pascal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest, has spoken out in defense of his friend and fellow socialite, Emeka Okonkwo (E-Money), following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). E-Money was taken into custody on Monday night at his Lagos home, located in the Omole area, over allegations of Naira abuse and violating the Foreign Exchange Act. The arrest stems from accusations that he sprayed U.S. dollars at a public event, which is considered illegal under Nigerian law.
In a statement on his Instagram on Tuesday, Cubana Chief Priest expressed his full support for E-Money, calling attention to his positive contributions to the South-East, particularly his Easter “Homecoming” concert. He accused the authorities of targeting E-Money because of his growing influence, suggesting that some powerful forces are working to suppress prominent voices from the South-East.
“The oppression on us Igbos will never stop, but let me tell you, we will never stop. We don’t die, we multiply,” Cubana Chief Priest wrote, rallying support for the people of the region. He also hinted that the arrest was a deliberate attempt to break E-Money’s spirit, particularly with the upcoming 2027 elections in mind. “More billionaires are coming up, and we will not be broken,” he added.
Interestingly, Cubana Chief Priest himself had been involved in a similar controversy earlier this year. On April 17, 2024, he was arraigned in court for Naira abuse after spraying money at a social event in Lagos. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. The charges were later dismissed following a settlement agreement.
E-Money’s arrest, which was confirmed by sources within the EFCC, centers around the alleged act of spraying U.S. dollars, a practice that violates the Foreign Exchange Act. The EFCC claims this act not only defaces the currency but also undermines the value of the Nigerian Naira.
As the investigation continues, Cubana Chief Priest’s support for E-Money is expected to spark further discussion on the treatment of wealthy and influential individuals from the South-East, and whether such actions are part of a wider political strategy.
