Nigerian hip-hop artist Terry Apala, born Terry Alexander Ejeh, has been remanded in custody by a Federal High Court in Lagos over claims of naira mutilation during a social event.
Justice Akintayo Aluko, who presided over the case on Friday, ordered the singer’s detention at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until May 5, 2025, the scheduled date to hear his bail request.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused the musician of violating the Central Bank of Nigeria Act by allegedly stepping on naira notes while dancing at a party held on January 5 at Madison Place in Oniru, Lagos.
Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. His lawyer, Felix Nwakbudu, informed the court of a pending bail application served to the EFCC earlier that day, urging the court to entertain it.
However, EFCC counsel, Sulaimon Sulaiman, requested more time to study the application and prepare a formal response, prompting the judge to defer ruling on bail.
Justice Aluko subsequently ruled that Apala be remanded and the trial expedited, emphasising the need for a swift resolution of the matter.
The charge stems from Section 21(1) of the CBN Act of 2007, which prohibits tampering with Nigeria’s legal tender.
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