Terry Apala Remanded in Custody Over Alleged Naira Note Mutilation
On Friday, April 25, 2025, musician Terry Alexander Ejeh, popularly known as Terry Apala, was ordered to be remanded in a Correctional Centre after being arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly mutilating Naira notes.
The charge, presented at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, stems from an incident on January 5, 2025, when Ejeh, while attending a social event at La Madison Place in Oniru, allegedly tampered with Naira notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The charge accuses him of trampling on the notes, an act which is said to be in violation of Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
Upon reading the charge, Ejeh pleaded not guilty. His defence counsel, Felix Nwabuda, requested a short adjournment for a pending bail application, stressing that Ejeh voluntarily returned to Nigeria from the United Kingdom and would not evade trial.
However, the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, opposed the bail request, describing it as “alien and unheard of” and urging the court to make an informed ruling after reviewing the application.
In a brief ruling, Justice Akintayo Aluko dismissed the bail application and adjourned the matter to May 5, 2025, for further consideration. The court also ordered that Ejeh be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until the bail proceedings.
Our Take:
This case highlights the serious consequences of tampering with the nation’s currency, which is a crime under the Central Bank of Nigeria Act. The public reaction to this incident will likely be mixed, especially considering Terry Apala’s prominent status in the Nigerian music scene. While some may view his actions as a mere prank at a social event, the law is clear on the matter. 🎤💸
The upcoming hearing will shed more light on whether the musician will be granted bail or if he’ll remain in custody pending trial. Fans and the public are surely watching closely as this case unfolds.
What are your thoughts, though? Should Terry Apala face such serious charges for what many might consider a harmless act, or does the law have a point here? Let’s hear from you in the comments. 👇
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