Afrobeat and Apala music star Terry Apala, whose real name is Terry Alexander Ejeh, has been remanded in custody at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, April 25, 2025.
The remand order was issued by the Federal High Court in Lagos after Apala was charged with tampering with Nigerian currency during a social event earlier in the year.
Charge Details
The charge stems from an incident that occurred on January 5, 2025, at Madison Place in Oniru, Lagos Island. Apala is accused of trampling on Naira notes while dancing at a gathering, an act that the EFCC considers a violation of Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007. The law prohibits the mutilation, defacement, or tampering of Nigerian currency.
During the court proceedings, EFCC counsel Sulaimon Sulaiman read the charge, to which Terry Apala pleaded not guilty.
The charge sheet 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 marching on it.”
Bail Application Pending
After Apala’s plea, the EFCC counsel requested a trial date and sought to have the artist remanded in custody until the trial. However, Terry Apala’s lawyer, Mr. Felix Nwakbudu, informed the court of a pending bail application, which was filed earlier that morning and served to the EFCC. Nwakbudu urged for the immediate hearing of the application.
EFCC’s counsel opposed the bail request, stating the need for more time to review the application. Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court then ruled that Terry Apala should remain in custody at Ikoyi Correctional Centre until May 5, 2025, when the bail hearing is scheduled.
Next Steps
The Afrobeat artist will remain in custody over the weekend, awaiting the court’s decision on his bail application scheduled for next week.
