Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the remand of Nigerian musician Terry Alexander Ejeh, popularly known as Terry Apala, at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre over allegations of Naira note mutilation.
The decision was delivered on Friday, April 25, 2025, following Ejeh’s arraignment by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a one-count charge related to the alleged offence.
According to the charge sheet presented in court, the EFCC accused Terry Apala of violating Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007.
The charge read:
“You, TERRY ALEXANDER EJEH, on the 5th day of January, 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 trampling on them, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”
When the charge was read to him in court, Terry Apala pleaded not guilty.
Following the defendant’s plea, the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, requested the court to fix a date for trial and moved for the musician’s remand at a correctional facility pending the commencement of the trial.
In response, the defence counsel, Felix Nwabuda, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed on behalf of his client. The application, dated April 23, 2025, sought the release of the defendant pending the determination of the case.
Nwabuda appealed to the court to consider granting Terry Apala bail, even if temporarily, on the undertaking that he would present himself for all court proceedings.
In his words:
“Whilst praying the court for a short date for the hearing of the bail application, I will be craving the indulgence of the court to release the defendant to the defence.
We undertake to produce him in court. He will not evade hearing. He came in from the United Kingdom on April 23, 2025; and on the invitation of the EFCC, he came on his own.”
However, the prosecution counsel opposed the request for immediate release, describing the defence’s oral application as “alien and unheard of” within the Nigerian legal system.
Suleiman argued:
“I urge the court to afford us the opportunity to look at the application and respond properly so that the court can make a well-informed ruling.”
After listening to both parties, Justice Aluko dismissed the defence’s oral application for the defendant’s release and ruled that Terry Apala be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application.
The judge then adjourned the matter to May 5, 2025, for the formal hearing and determination of the bail application.
Background of the Allegation
The allegations against Terry Apala stem from an incident on January 5, 2025, at La Madison Place, Oniru, Lagos. During a social event, the musician was reportedly seen trampling on Naira notes while dancing, a practice that the CBN has repeatedly warned against.
Under Nigerian law, the mutilation of the national currency — whether by spraying, trampling, writing on, tearing, or any other form of defacement — is a punishable offence under Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007. Convictions under this law can attract hefty fines or imprisonment.
The EFCC, in recent times, has intensified efforts to curb the abuse of the Naira at social functions, targeting celebrities and high-profile individuals to set an example and promote respect for the nation’s currency.
Public Reaction
News of Terry Apala’s remand quickly made waves across social media platforms, drawing mixed reactions from fans and the public.
Some supporters argued that the musician’s actions were unintentional and should be treated as a minor infraction, while others supported the EFCC’s move, insisting that public figures must set the right example, especially when it comes to respecting national symbols like the currency.
A fan wrote on social media:
“Terry Apala should know better. When you’re a public figure, every move counts.”
Another user commented:
“The law is the law. Whether celebrity or not, the Naira must be respected.”
What’s Next?
With the next hearing set for May 5, 2025, the court will decide whether to grant Terry Apala bail pending the full trial.
Legal analysts suggest that the defence will likely argue that the alleged act did not constitute “willful mutilation” and may push for leniency based on the fact that the defendant voluntarily responded to the EFCC’s invitation upon returning to Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has reiterated its commitment to enforcing financial regulations without fear or favour, particularly regarding offences related to the abuse of the Naira.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a fresh reminder that Nigerian law takes the sanctity of its currency seriously — and celebrities, like all citizens, are not above the law.
