Federal High Court Orders Detention of Musician Terry Apala Over Naira Mutilation Charges
A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos has ordered the detention of musician Terry Ejeh, popularly known as Terry Apala, in a correctional facility due to accusations of mutilating naira notes. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought a one-count charge against Ejeh, claiming he tampered with the currency during a social event.
According to the charge, Ejeh, whose full name is Terry Alexander Ejeh, allegedly committed the offense on January 5, 2025, at La Madison Place, Oniru. The specific allegation states that he damaged naira notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by dancing on them, which violates Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
Ejeh pleaded not guilty to the charge. Following his plea, the prosecution, represented by counsel S.I. Suleiman, requested a trial date and asked the court to remand Ejeh in custody.
Defense attorney Felix Nwabuda presented a bail application dated April 23, 2025, and sought a prompt hearing. He urged the court to consider releasing his client while asserting that Ejeh would be present for all hearings and had returned from the United Kingdom voluntarily at the request of the EFCC.
The prosecution opposed this bail application, describing it as unusual and requesting additional time to respond adequately.
In a brief ruling, Justice Akintayo Aluko denied the bail request and ordered that Ejeh be held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until the hearing of the bail application on May 5, 2025.
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