Celebrity businessman Pascal Okechukwu, a k a Cubana Chief Priest has told Federal High Court in Lagos that he has 1000 workers on his payroll while he is also suffering from heart palpitations as a result of his weight

Lawyer to Cubana Chief Priest, Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu ,SAN, said this while urging the court to grant him bail after he pleaded not guilty to three counts charges bordering an alleged abuse of the Naira currency.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC accused the celebrity businessman of spraying and tampering with the Naira notes during a social event at Eko Hotel in Lagos.

When the case was called on Wednesday, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, appeared for the prosecution

The defence counsel then first informed the court of a preliminary objection challenging the courts jurisdiction as well as a bail application files on behalf of the defendant.

He informed the court that the prosecution was not opposed to same.

After the charge was read to Cubana Chief Priest, he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In moving the bail application of the defendant, counsel urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms .

He told the court that the defendant was admitted by the prosecution following his health condition, adding that due to his weight, the defendant suffers palpitation

Besides, he told the court that the offence with which the Cubana Chief Priest is charged is a misdeamenour and that the prescribed punishment ranges from a fine of N50,000 or an imprisonment term of six months.

He urged the court to grant bail on very liberal terms to the defendant as he is a first offender with no past criminal records .

Counsel also informed the court that the Cubana Chief Priest is an employer of labour with over 1000 employees on his payroll, who are dependent on their jobs.

He, consequently, urged the court to grant his application as moved

In response, the prosecutor said she will leave the issue of bail to the discretion of the court.

The court is yet to deliver ruling on the bail.

(NAN)