In the wake of the recent arrest of prominent businessman Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), celebrity socialite and businessman Cubana ChiefPriest has spoken out in defense of his friend and associate. The flamboyant nightlife entrepreneur took to social media to share his thoughts and stand by E-Money, expressing confidence in his integrity and business success.
E-Money, the CEO of Five Star Group and younger brother to Nigerian singer Kcee, was reportedly arrested by the EFCC on allegations related to financial misconduct and money laundering. The arrest, which sparked widespread reactions on social media, has reignited public discourse around the treatment of wealthy individuals in Nigeria, particularly those in the entertainment and hospitality industries.
Cubana ChiefPriest, whose real name is Pascal Okechukwu, reacted swiftly after the news broke. In a post on his verified social media page, he wrote: “I knew they will come for him. When you’re successful and living well in this country, you become a target. But God pass them. E-Money is a good man who works hard and helps others. He doesn’t deserve this humiliation.”
His statement has since garnered support from fans and followers who view E-Money as a self-made entrepreneur with an extensive network of business interests ranging from shipping and real estate to entertainment. Many argue that E-Money’s lifestyle is a product of years of hard work and investment, not financial impropriety.
While EFCC has yet to release a detailed statement regarding the specific charges or nature of the investigation, sources within the commission hinted that the arrest is part of an ongoing operation targeting individuals with suspicious financial activities. The commission reportedly acted on intelligence reports concerning transactions traced to E-Money’s accounts, prompting the sudden detention.
Despite the cloud of uncertainty, Cubana ChiefPriest has maintained a defiant tone, insisting that the truth will prevail. He called on the public not to rush to judgment and emphasized the need for due process. “This country needs to stop bringing down its own people. Instead of celebrating success, we drag our own to the mud. Let EFCC do their job, but they must also do it fairly. No intimidation. No witch-hunt,” he added.
E-Money is widely celebrated for his philanthropic activities and his visible support for young entrepreneurs and creatives. His social media pages are filled with videos of cash gifts, scholarship awards, and business grants, all of which have made him a beloved figure, particularly among youths. His arrest, therefore, has stirred a mix of disappointment, disbelief, and solidarity from his fan base.
Analysts and commentators have noted that this is not the first time a high-profile personality in Nigeria’s entertainment or business scene has been invited or detained by the EFCC. Over the years, several celebrities, including musicians, actors, and socialites, have been probed by the anti-graft agency. However, the outcomes of many such investigations remain unclear to the public, leading to growing skepticism over whether these arrests are always driven by evidence or sometimes by optics.
Supporters of E-Money argue that his track record of business transparency and his visible investments in Nigeria should count in his favor. They point to his legitimate sources of income and a lifestyle that matches his known earnings as evidence of innocence. For Cubana ChiefPriest, E-Money’s current ordeal is just another challenge that will pass.
“He is a man of grace,” he wrote. “You can’t pull down what God has built. I know him, I know his hustle. This too shall pass. He will come out stronger, and those celebrating now will be silenced.”
As Nigerians await further details from the EFCC, the public debate continues to grow. Many have taken to social media to either condemn or support the anti-corruption agency’s move. Hashtags like #FreeEMoney and #JusticeForEMoney have started trending, a testament to the polarizing nature of the issue.
Legal experts, meanwhile, caution that public sentiment should not interfere with the rule of law. They advocate for transparency in the investigation and a commitment to upholding the rights of suspects. According to Lagos-based lawyer Temitope Adesanya, “The EFCC has the mandate to investigate financial crimes, but it must also respect constitutional provisions. Anyone arrested must be treated fairly and not subjected to media trials.”
In the coming days, the EFCC is expected to make an official statement clarifying the situation and the basis of E-Money’s arrest. Until then, the public remains divided, with some demanding accountability and others calling for restraint and fairness.
For Cubana ChiefPriest, however, the matter is personal. His staunch defense of E-Money not only underscores their close relationship but also reflects broader frustrations within Nigeria’s entrepreneurial community about what they perceive as a hostile environment for wealth creation.
As he put it, “You don’t fight who God has blessed. E-Money will rise above this, and those trying to bring him down will watch him shine even brighter.”
With the story still unfolding, all eyes are now on the EFCC and how it handles this high-profile case, which has once again highlighted the complex intersection of wealth, fame, and accountability in Nigeria.
