Court remands hip-hop artiste in prison for allegedly matching on naira notes

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of hip-hop artiste Terry Alexander Ejeh, popularly known as Terry Apala, over allegations of abusing the naira.

Justice Akintayo Aluko directed that the singer be held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until May 5, 2025, when his bail application is expected to be heard.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the defendant on a single count, accusing him of stepping on naira notes while dancing at a social function held at Madison Place, Oniru, Lagos Island.

Prosecuting counsel, Sulaimon Sulaiman, requested that the charge be read to Ejeh so he could enter a plea. The defendant pleaded not guilty.

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Following the plea, Sulaimon asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in correctional custody.

However, the defence counsel, Felix Nwakbudu, told the court that a bail application had already been filed on behalf of his client.

“The prosecution has been served with the application this morning,” Nwakbudu said, urging the court to allow him to move the bail request.

In response, Sulaimon objected, stating that he needed adequate time to review the application and prepare a response.

Justice Aluko ruled in favour of the prosecution’s request, ordering that the defendant remain in custody until the bail motion is considered. The judge also directed that the case proceed with accelerated hearing and adjourned the matter to May 5.

The charge against Terry Apala 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 matching on it and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007.”