By PAUL MICHAEL
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly arrested Instagram celebrity, Pascal Okechukwu popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, on charges bordering on money laundering and fraud.
Reports said he was arrested at the Abuja airport on Wednesday, but the anti-graft officials hushed the development amidst pressure from his associates and family, who said the matter could complicate conditions for others likely connected to the alleged racket, The Trumpet gathered.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, on the development were unsuccessful. However, a source close to the EFCC confirmed the arrest of Cubana Chief Priest.
Saying that he was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on his way to Owerri, the Imo State capital. The source said, “We have a popular Instagram socialite in our custody in Abuja.
He is known as Cubana Chief Priest. He was arrested on Wednesday, in Abuja on his way to Owerri.”
Though allegations against the Instagram celebrity were sketchy as of press time, a source disclosed to The Trumpet that Cubana Chief Priest was being grilled by operatives of the EFCC over alleged money laundering and fraud. Mr Okechukwu’s disappearance had sparked outrage from various quarters after the socialite failed to respond to birthday messages and wishes from his fans and followers on social media.
He was last seen on television at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium during a FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Ghana and Nigeria last Tuesday in Abuja.
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It was not immediately clear when he would be granted bail or the level of information officials had been able to squeeze from him as of Sunday night.
His arrest came months after his associate and long time friend, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, was arrested by EFCC operatives over a case of alleged money laundering and tax fraud.
Obi Cubana was, however, released even as he was seen in a photo being celebrated by the Commission’s officials. Messrs Okechukwu and Iyiegbu, both socialites, made headlines in July last year when they gathered with friends in Oba village in Anambra State, Nigeria’s South-east, for the burial of Mr latter’s late mother.
