Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, April 25, 2025, ordered the remand of popular Nigerian singer Terry Alexander Ejeh, popularly known as Terry Apala, at a Correctional Centre.
The decision followed his arraignment by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of defacing Nigerian currency.
Terry Apala was brought before the court on a single count charge accusing him of violating Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
According to the EFCC, the incident occurred on January 5, 2025, during a social gathering at La Madison Place, Oniru, where the artiste allegedly stepped on Naira notes while dancing—an act considered as tampering with the legal tender issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The singer pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Following his plea, prosecution lawyer S.I. Suleiman requested the court to fix a trial date and to remand the defendant in custody pending the outcome of the case.
On the other hand, the defence counsel, Felix Nwabuda, notified the court of a pending bail application dated April 23, 2025, and requested an early date for the hearing.
He also appealed for the temporary release of his client, assuring the court that the singer would not flee, noting that he had voluntarily returned from the United Kingdom to honour the EFCC’s invitation.
Suleiman opposed the oral application for release, describing it as irregular and without legal basis.
He asked for time to properly review the written bail application and respond accordingly.
Justice Aluko, in a brief ruling, denied the request for the singer’s release and ordered his remand until the hearing of the bail application.