By Emeka Blast In April 2025, Nigerian musician Terry Apala (real name Terry Alexander Ejeh) was arrested and remanded by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly mutilating the Naira. The EFCC charged him with stomping on Naira notes during a social event at La Madison Place, Oniru, Lagos, on January 5, 2025, an act that violates Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007. He pleaded not guilty, and the court adjourned the case to May 5, 2025, ordering his remand in Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending a bail hearing .
Prior to his arrest, social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), had accused the EFCC of extorting celebrities, including Terry Apala, DJ Tunez, and DJ Osas, by allegedly collecting bribes ranging from $5,000 to $6,000 during investigations into Naira abuse. VDM claimed that EFCC officials threatened these celebrities with consequences similar to those faced by crossdresser Bobrisky if they did not comply .
In response to these allegations, Terry Apala issued a 48-hour ultimatum to VDM, demanding a retraction and apology for the claims. However, shortly after this ultimatum, the EFCC arrested and charged Apala, leading VDM to mock the situation, asserting that he always backs his statements with evidence .
VDM also criticized the EFCC for targeting celebrities while allegedly ignoring similar offenses by individuals from influential backgrounds, such as the sons of billionaire Razaq Okoya . He further alleged that a significant portion of EFCC officers engage in corrupt practices, including extortion and abuse of power .
The situation has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many questioning the EFCC’s consistency and integrity in enforcing laws against Naira abuse.
For a visual summary of these events, you may find the following video insightful