A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday ordered the remand of hip-hop artist Terry Alexander Ejeh, popularly known as Terry Apala, at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until May 5, 2025, when his bail application will be heard.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Ejeh before Justice Akintayo Aluko on a single count of abusing the naira. The charge stems from an incident where Ejeh allegedly trampled on naira notes while dancing at a social event held at Madison Place, Oniru, Lagos Island.
During the court session, EFCC counsel Sulaimon Sulaiman informed the court of the pending charge and requested that it be read to the defendant for his plea. After the charge was read, Ejeh pleaded not guilty.
The EFCC stated that the alleged offence violates Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which outlines penalties for abusing the naira.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand Ejeh at the Correctional Centre.
Meanwhile, Ejeh’s lawyer, Felix Nwakbudu, notified the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution earlier that morning. He urged the court to hear the application immediately.
The prosecution objected, stating that more time was needed to review the application and respond appropriately.
Justice Aluko, in his ruling, directed that Ejeh be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and scheduled the bail hearing for May 5, 2025. The judge also ordered an expedited trial process.
