The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Nigerian socialite Cubana Chief Priest on charges of money laundering and tax fraud.
The socialite, whose real names are Pascal Okechukwu was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed airport on Thursday, but anti-graft officials kept quiet about it due to pressure from his friends and family, who warned that the incident could complicate conditions for others suspected of being involved in the alleged racket.
Okechukwu’s detention has made it impossible for him to respond to birthday greetings from his over four million Instagram followers.
Only his wife is allowed to see him in custody.
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 Saturday night.
“The matter is still under investigation,” a source said anonymously.
Cubana Chief Priest has gained nationwide acclaim as an ambassador for many national brands, including Bullet and LVMH.
His arrest came weeks after another socialite Obi Cubana was arrested by the anti-narcotics agency NDLEA.