Court Remands Musician Terry Apala for Alleged Naira Mutilation in Lagos

Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, April 25, 2025, ordered the remand of musician Terry Alexander Ejeh, popularly known as Terry Apala, at a Correctional Centre due to allegations of mutilating Naira notes.

He was brought before the court by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a single count of Naira mutilation. The charge states: "That you, TERRY ALEXANDER EJEH, on January 5, 2025, at La Madison Place, Oniru, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while dancing at a social event, tampered with Naira notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by stepping on them, thereby committing an offense punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007." He pleaded not guilty to the charge. In light of his plea, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman requested a trial date and sought the court's order to remand him in a Correctional Centre. The defense attorney, Felix Nwabuda, presented a bail application dated April 23, 2025, and requested a prompt hearing of the motion. He asked the court to release the defendant into the defense's custody, stating, "We assure the court that he will appear in court as he will not evade proceedings.

He returned from the United Kingdom on April 23, 2025, at the EFCC's invitation." However, the prosecution opposed the bail application, arguing that it was unusual and asking for more time to adequately respond. In a brief ruling, Justice Aluko denied the defense's bail application. The judge scheduled the next hearing for May 5, 2025, and ordered the defendant to be held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until the bail request is resolved.