Nigerian hip-hop star, Terry Apala, whose real name is Terry Alexander Ejeh, has been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre by a Federal High Court in Lagos over charges of abusing the Nigerian naira during a social event.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the singer on Friday, accusing him of trampling on naira notes while dancing at Madison Place, Oniru, Lagos Island — an act captured on video and widely circulated online.
Terry Apala pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge read before Justice Akintayo Aluko. The charge, brought under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, carries stiff penalties for anyone caught mutilating or dishonouring the national currency.
Following his plea, EFCC counsel, Sulaimon Sulaiman, requested that the artist be remanded while a trial date is set. Although Apala’s lawyer, Felix Nwakbudu, had already filed a bail application, the prosecution insisted it needed more time to review the motion.
Justice Aluko agreed, ruling that Terry Apala be kept in custody at Ikoyi pending the hearing of the bail application on May 5, 2025. The court also promised an accelerated hearing of the matter.
The arrest has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans divided over whether the EFCC’s prosecution is justified or excessive.
