Nigerian Afrobeat artist Terry Apala has been remanded in custody following allegations of naira mutilation, a violation under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) initiated legal proceedings against the musician after a video surfaced online, purportedly showing him spraying naira notes at a social event.
The EFCC, in its ongoing efforts to curb the abuse of the national currency, has intensified actions against individuals involved in naira mutilation. The practice of spraying money at events, though culturally ingrained in some Nigerian celebrations, is deemed illegal under Section 21(1) of the CBN Act, which prohibits tampering with the nation's currency.
Terry Apala's case adds to a growing list of Nigerian celebrities facing legal consequences for similar offenses. Notably, in April 2024, social media influencer Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was sentenced to six months imprisonment without the option of a fine for naira abuse. The court emphasized the need to deter others from disrespecting the national currency [1] .
The EFCC has also arrested other individuals for naira mutilation in various parts of the country. In Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, two men were apprehended for allegedly spraying naira notes at an event center [2] . Similarly, in Benin, three persons were arrested for suspected naira abuse during a burial ceremony [3] .
These developments underscore the EFCC's commitment to enforcing laws against currency abuse and maintaining the integrity of the Nigerian naira. The commission continues to urge the public to desist from acts that contravene the CBN Act, emphasizing that ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
As the case against Terry Apala progresses, it serves as a reminder of the legal implications of naira mutilation and the importance of adhering to regulations governing the use of the national currency.
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