…As EFCC arrests 24 suspects for internet Frauds in Abuja
Iruoma Okpalaebubu
Justice Akintayo Aluko of a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has remanded a musician, Terry Alexander Ejeh (alias Terry Apala), in a Correctional Centre for alleged mutilation of the Naira notes.
Ejeh was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Friday, April 25, 2025, on a one-count charge of mutilating the Naira notes.
The charge reads: “That you, Terry Alexander Ejeh, on 5th day of January, 2025, at La Madison Place, Oniru, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing during a social event, tampered with Naira notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by marching on the same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007”.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges when it was read to him.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, prayed for a trial date and urged the court to remand him in a correctional centre.
But the defence counsel, Felix Nwabuda, quickly informed the court of a bail application dated April 23, 2025 and prayed for a short date for the hearing of the application.
“Whilst praying the court for a short date for the hearing of the bail application, I will be craving the indulgence of the court to release the defendant to the defence.
“We undertake to produce him in court. He will not evade hearing. He came in from the United Kingdom on April 23, 2025; and on the invitation of the EFCC, he came on his own.”
The prosecution counsel, however, opposed the application, saying, the application was alien and unheard of.
“I urge the court to afford us the opportunity to look at the application and respond properly so that the court can make a well -informed ruling,” he said.
Reacting to their parties submission, Justice Aluko refused the application of the defence.
Justice Aluko however, adjourned till May 5, 2025 for hearing of the matter and ordered the remand of the defendant in the Ikoyi correctional centre pending the determination of the bail application.
In another development, the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, on Friday, arrested 24 suspected internet fraudsters.
The EFCC’s Head, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale revealed that the suspects were arrested at Mararaba in Nasarawa State following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in cybercrimes.
Items recovered from them include three cars, 34 phones and 7 laptops
Oyewale said the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.