A Federal High Court in Lagos has sent Nigerian Afrobeat and Apala musician, Terry Alexander Ejeh, popularly known as Terry Apala, to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre following a Naira abuse charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a ruling on Friday, April 25, 2025, Justice Akintayo Aluko ordered the artist’s remand until May 5, 2025, when his bail application would be heard and determined.

The singer was arraigned before the court on a one-count charge of naira abuse filed by the EFCC. The Commission claimed that Ejeh trampled on the currency whilst dancing during a social event at Madison Place, Oniru, Lagos Island.

Counsel to the anti-graft agency, Sulaimon Sulaiman, subsequently asked the court to read the charge to the defendant so he could take his plea.

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The EFCC charge against the defendant reads: “That you, TERRY ALEXANDER EJEH, on the 5th day of January 2025 at Madison Place, Oniru, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court whilst dancing during a social event tampered with Naira currency issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by matching on it and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007.”

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, prompting Sulaiman to request a trial date and the remand of the defendant in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Centre.

But the artist’s counsel, Felix Nwakbudu, informed the court of a pending bail application filed on his client’s behalf.

Nwakbudu disclosed that the prosecution had been served with a copy of the bail summons on Friday morning, pleading with the court to allow him to move the application.

However, the EFCC counsel opposed the hearing of the bail application on the grounds that he would need time to study the application and make an appropriate response.

Subsequently, Justice Aluko ordered the remand of Terry Apala at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

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The Judge also ordered an accelerated hearing of the trial and adjourned the matter till May 5 for trial.

Social media is abuzz with a heartwarming video of Liam, the two-year-old son of late Nigerian singer Mohbad, dancing to his dad’s song with his grandma.

The video posted to social media showed the adorable tot grooving to Egwu; a hit song by Chike featuring Mohbad, and soon enough, grandma joined in.

Social media users took to the comment section to express their joy over the little boy, whom many noticed has become the spitting image of his dad.

A heartwarming moment: Late Mohbad’s son, Liam, is seen dancing joyfully to one of his father’s songs—keeping his dad’s legacy alive through music and love🕯️ pic.twitter.com/fojE1TZzG5

— African Folder (@africanfolder) April 24, 2025

See reactions below:

All you DNA testers, I hope your consciences prick you till it creates a hole in your hearts…

While Oga and his people are busy crying on TikTok 😂😂😂this video too sweet me ❤️my Liam is growing so fast🙈❤️

You will live long and prosper 🙏 Untimely death won’t be your portion. You will achieve all the good things of life and be a blessing to your generation. Amen

Mohbad lives on. I am happy 😍

Hmmmm, God bless and protect you always indeed u are surrounded by good people and so shall it be in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

It is worth noting that Liam, though little, has been the subject of online agitations towards a DNA/paternity test since 2023, when Mohbad died.

After the singer’s passing in September 2023, which was under somewhat mysterious circumstances, a call for justice followed, and an investigation was launched. During said investigations, some people began to point fingers at Mohbad’s widow, Wunmi, and demanded that she prove that Liam is his legitimate son.

Multiple Grammy-nominated Afrobeat pioneer Femi Anikulapo-Kuti is set to release his highly anticipated eleventh studio album, Journey Through Life, on April 25th, 2025. The announcement follows the successful release of three singles from the album – “Politics Don Expose Dem” in November,  “After 24 Years” in February, and “Oga Doctor” in March.

The ten-track album promises to deliver Femi’s signature blend of pulsating rhythms, horn-driven melodies, and socially conscious lyrics that have defined his illustrious career spanning over four decades. With tracks like "Corruption Na Stealing," "Think My People Think," and "Chop and Run," Femi continues his tradition of using music as a powerful vehicle for social commentary and political activism.

Speaking about the new album, Femi Kuti states: “Journey Through Life represents my unwavering commitment to the Afrobeat tradition as a weapon against injustice as I continue to document our collective struggle through rhythm and truth. Songs like "Politics Don Expose Dem" and "Corruption Na Stealing" confront the same systems of oppression my father fought against decades ago. This album carries that revolutionary spirit forward.”

As the eldest son of Afrobeat founder Fela Kuti, Femi has carved his distinctive path in music while honouring his father’s legacy. Since his debut album No Cause For Alarm in 1989, Femi has consistently evolved the Afrobeat genre, infusing it with elements of jazz, funk, and traditional Nigerian music to create a progressive sound uniquely his own.

His critically acclaimed discography includes standout albums such as Shoki Shoki (1998), Fight to Win (2001), Day by Day (2008), No Place for My Dream (2013), and Stop the Hate (2021). Throughout his career, Femi has received six Grammy nominations, solidifying his place as one of Africa’s most influential musical voices.

Known for his virtuosic saxophone playing and energetic stage presence, Femi Kuti continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeat with complex polyrhythms, intricate horn arrangements, and impassioned vocal performances. His music addresses pressing social issues, government corruption, and the struggles of everyday Nigerians while celebrating resilience and cultural pride.

Femi’s collaborations with international artists, including Coldplay, Common, Mos Def, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers, have helped introduce Afrobeat to global audiences. At the same time, his work with Positive Force, his high-energy band, has maintained the genre’s authenticity and cultural significance.

Based on the previously released singles, Journey Through Life promises to be both a musical tour de force and a poignant commentary on contemporary Nigerian society. "Politics Don Expose Dem" offers a scathing critique of political manipulation through tribal and religious sentiments, while "After 24 Years" showcases Femi’s ability to combine catchy melodies with thought-provoking messaging.

Fans of Femi can expect his characteristic blend of traditional Yoruba elements, jazz improvisation, and funk-infused grooves, all delivered with the urgency and passion that has made him a musical force for over four decades.

To celebrate the anticipated release, Femi Kuti will host an album listening session and media briefing on April 27th, 2025, at the legendary New Afrika Shrine in Lagos. Media representatives and special guests will have the opportunity to experience the album in its entirety and engage with the artist in an intimate setting.

About Femi Kuti

Femi Anikulapo-Kuti is a Nigerian musician, songwriter, and activist born in London and raised in Lagos. As a key figure in the Afrobeat movement, he has used his platform to advocate for social justice, political accountability, and pan-African unity. He currently serves as the artistic director of The New Afrika Shrine, the cultural centre he established to honour his father’s legacy while nurturing Nigeria’s vibrant music scene.

Track List:

1. OGA DOCTOR

2. THINK MY PEOPLE THINK

3. JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE

4. AFTER 24 YEARS

5. POLITICS DON EXPOSE DEM

6. WORK ON MYSELF

7. SHOTAN (SEWERE)

8. CORRUPTION NA STEALING

9. LAST MUGU

10. CHOP AND RUN

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