A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of Nigerian hip-hop artiste, Terry Alexander Ejeh, popularly known as Terry Apala, over a charge of naira abuse.
Justice Akintayo Aluko issued the remand order on Friday, directing that the musician be held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until May 5, 2025, when his bail application will be heard and decided.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Ejeh on a one-count charge of naira abuse, alleging that he trampled on the Nigerian currency while dancing at a social event held at Madison Place, Oniru, Lagos Island, on January 5, 2025.
EFCC counsel, Sulaimon Sulaiman, requested that the charge be read to the defendant, who subsequently pleaded not guilty. Following the plea, Sulaiman asked the court to set a trial date and order the defendant’s remand in correctional custody.
Defense counsel, Felix Nwakbudu, informed the court of a pending bail application filed earlier that day and urged the court to allow him to move the application. However, the prosecution objected, requesting time to review the application and respond appropriately.
Justice Aluko, in his ruling, granted the prosecution’s request and ordered the remand of the defendant at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application. He also directed an accelerated hearing of the trial and adjourned proceedings to May 5, 2025.
The charge reads: “That you, Terry Alexander Ejeh, on the 5th day of January 2025 at Madison Place, Oniru, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing during a social event, tampered with naira currency issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by stepping on it, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”
