By Parrot Newspaper Court Remands Singer Terry Apala for Alleged Naira Abuse
By Parrot Newspaper Staff Writer
LAGOS — Popular Nigerian musician Terry Apala, whose real name is Terry Alexander Ejeh, has been remanded in a correctional facility by Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi. The remand order came on Friday, April 25, 2025, after his arraignment by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of tampering with the Nigerian currency during a social event.
The EFCC charged the afro-fusion singer with a single count, accusing him of desecrating the naira notes on January 5, 2025, at a party held at La Madison Place, Oniru, Lagos. According to the charge, Terry Apala allegedly stomped on naira notes while dancing—an act the EFCC says violates Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which criminalizes any form of defacement or abuse of the country’s legal tender.
When the charge was read in court, the artist pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, EFCC prosecutor S.I. Suleiman requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant pending trial. On the other side, defence counsel Felix Nwabuda revealed that a bail application had been filed since April 23 and urged the court to consider a temporary release of the defendant into their custody, with a promise that Terry would return for court proceedings.
“He came back from the United Kingdom on April 23,” Nwabuda said. “He honoured the EFCC’s invitation voluntarily and has no intention of jumping bail.”
But the EFCC objected, arguing that the defence’s request for release without a formal bail hearing was unusual and “alien.” Prosecutor Suleiman asked for more time to properly respond to the bail application.
After listening to both sides, Justice Aluko declined the defence’s request for temporary release and ordered that Terry Apala be remanded at a correctional facility while a new date is set for the bail hearing.
Court Remands Singer Terry Apala
The case has sparked debate online, with fans of the singer expressing concern over the severity of the charge, while legal analysts say the court is simply enforcing long-standing laws about respecting the national currency.
As the trial proceeds, Terry Apala joins a growing list of celebrities under scrutiny for public conduct in a legal system increasingly focused on setting examples. Whether this case leads to conviction or acquittal, it will likely serve as another test of Nigeria’s resolve to uphold the dignity of its currency—no matter who’s involved.