COURT REMANDS MUSICIAN TERRY APALA OVER NAIRA ABUSE ALLEGATION

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of hip-hop musician, Terry Alexander Ejeh, popularly known as Terry Apala, at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre over an alleged abuse of the Nigerian currency.

Ejeh was arraigned on Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Akintayo Aluko on a one-count charge of tampering with the naira, in violation of Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

According to the charge, the defendant allegedly trampled on naira notes while dancing at a social event held on January 5, 2025, at Madison Place, Oniru, Lagos Island.

He pleaded not guilty to the offence when the charge was read to him.

Prosecuting counsel, Sulaimon Sulaiman, subsequently requested the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in correctional custody.

However, Ejeh’s lawyer, Felix Nwakbudu, informed the court of a pending bail application, which he had filed earlier and served on the prosecution shortly before the court session. He urged the court to hear the application immediately.

The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that he needed more time to review the application and prepare a formal response.

In a brief ruling, Justice Aluko ordered that the musician be remanded in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

The judge also granted an accelerated hearing and adjourned the case to May 5, 2025, for trial.