The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Cubana Chief Priest have agreed to settle out of court concerning the naira abuse case against the nightlife promoter.

Cubana arrived at the federal high court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday for the continuation of his trial.

On April 16, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a three-count charge against him over alleged naira abuse.

He was arraigned the following day. When the charges were read, the social media celebrity pleaded not guilty.

Kehinde Ogundare, the judge, thereafter granted him bail in the sum of N10 million with two responsible sureties in like sum.

The judge ruled that the bail conditions must be perfected within seven days.

Cubana was released to his lawyer who must give an undertaken to produce him later. The trial was adjourned to May 2 for continuation.

During sitting, both parties agreed to settle the matter out of court. The trial was then adjourned to June 5 for the hearing of the settlement report.

The social media celebrity is well known for his luxurious lifestyle.

Cubana is also known for his affiliation with Davido, the Afrobeats singer.

He served as the general manager of Cubana Groups but left the brand in September 2020 and established Club Xhrine in Owerri, Imo.

The nightlife promoter was honoured with a doctor of science in event and luxury hospitality management degree from the European American University in 2021.

In January 2022, Cubana was appointed as a social media aide to Hope Uzodinma, the governor of Imo state.

Dinah Lawan, one of the freed Chibok schoolgirls, says she got discouraged from pursuing her education after she was released from captivity.

In April 2014, Lawan and over 200 schoolgirls were abducted by terrorists from their dormitory at the Government Secondary School Chibok, Borno state.

Lawan recounted her experience during a programme organised by Enough is Enough Nigeria (EIE), a civil society organisation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the schoolgirls abduction.

The programme focused on the measures adopted to improve the lives of the schoolgirls and to hold the government accountable.

During the event, EiE launched a booklet detailing the journey and challenges faced by the girls after they regained freedom.

Lawan graduated from Notre Dame University in the US and is currently a second-year PhD student in political science at the University of California.

She raised concerns over the inability of the government to establish a trauma management programme for the girls who regained freedom.

“After the kidnapping, honestly, I completely gave up on education because what happened to me and my classmates that night was very difficult in so many ways,” she said.

“I know we were kidnapped in school while getting an education. But education is not the only thing that was taken away from us that night. So many things. Happy children were taken away from their families and loved ones. Our childhood was taken away from us. Really, I hated education at a time.

“After a while, I came to the realisation that if I allow myself to be discouraged by what happened, then I will give those Boko Haram the power they sought, right? So I decided to go back to school.

“I want all my classmates to keep fighting and never give up. One of the lessons I have learned from my journey is that when unpleasant circumstances occur, things can never be the same but life has to go on.”

Grace Dauda, one of the schoolgirls, said she sustained severe injury on her thighs while they were being taken to the forest by the terrorists.

Dauda was among the 82 schoolgirls released in May 2017.

“I spent three horrible years in captivity and after gaining my freedom, I was still struggling with my leg. I had three surgeries in Nigeria before I got an opportunity to have a fourth surgery abroad,” she said.

“I also got an opportunity to study abroad but my visa got expired and I couldn’t renew. The story changed when I returned to Nigeria.

“I feel like many people are just using us for their own interest because we suffered a lot and we didn’t get what we wanted.

“I want the government to help those who are no longer interested in education with some businesses. I feel the government don’t care because they abandoned those who are not in school.”

Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, on Wednesday said the government discovered 86 partitioned rooms, sized 10×10 and 12×10, under the Dolphin Estate Bridge, Ikoyi, on Lagos Island.

Tenants are said to be paying N250,000 per annum for the makeshift apartment under the bridge.

Wahab shared this information via a post on X.com on Wednesday, along with videos.

He added that the enforcement team of Lagos State’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources had successfully removed all structures, including a container utilised for various illegal activities, from beneath the Dolphin Estate bridge.

Sharing videos, he wrote, “A total number of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10, and a container used for different illegal activities were discovered under the Dolphin Estate Bridge.

“They have all been removed by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources”

A Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, further confirmed the eviction of squatters from beneath the bridge towards Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi over illegal settlement and environmental violations.

Rotimi-Akodu mentioned that 23 individuals were arrested during the eviction, which was carried out by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as KAI on Tuesday.

He wrote, “Squatters dwelling under the bridge leading from inward Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi were evicted today Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024 by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC (aka KAI).

“These people created their illegal settlement under the bridge, thereby exposing the critical infrastructure to impending destruction. 23 persons have so far been arrested and MoE/KAI will continue to monitor the place. The law will take its course.”

He also confirmed that the bridge has hitherto housed 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10 with squatters paying an average rent of N250,000 per annum.

“Continuation of the removal of abode under Dolphin bridge. 11 more persons were arrested. It is important to note that wood materials were used to construct the shelters, some occupants used gas cylinders, and some had stored fuel for their generators, these are recipes for disaster,” he added.