Hip hop artist Terry Alexander Ejeh, popularly known as Terry Apala, has been ordered to remain in custody at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until May 5, 2025, pending the hearing of his bail application.
The ruling came from Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday, following the artist’s arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Terry Apala is facing a one-count charge for allegedly abusing the naira during a social event at Madison Place in Oniru, Lagos. According to the EFCC, he was seen trampling on naira notes while dancing at the event, an act that violates Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
Upon arraignment, the singer pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, Felix Nwakbudu, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served to the prosecution earlier that day. However, EFCC counsel Sulaimon Sulaiman requested more time to respond to the application, prompting the court to delay its hearing.
Justice Aluko ruled that the defendant be remanded until the bail application is considered and scheduled the trial to begin on May 5, 2025, with a directive for an accelerated hearing.
The official charge reads in part, “That you, TERRY ALEXANDER EJEH, on the 5th day of January 2025 at Madison Place, Oniru…tampered with Naira currency issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by matching on it…”
The case has sparked renewed conversations around naira abu¥se and the legal consequences attached to such acts.
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