Nigerian lawyer and entertainment consultant, Ayo Shonaiya, has strongly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for charging singer Apala with naira abuse.

On Friday, April 25, EFCC took Apala to court before Justice Akintayo Aluko at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. Apala was charged with one count of mutilating Nigerian currency notes. Following the court appearance, the judge ordered that Apala be kept in Ikoyi Correctional Centre until his bail request is heard.

The charge read

“That you, TERRY ALEXANDER EJEH, on the 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.”   

Reacting to the situation, Ayo Shonaiya posted on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing the poor grammar used in EFCC’s official statement. He also expressed frustration, saying that incidents like this are the reason many Nigerians are leaving the country in large numbers.

He wrote

‘’This really breaks my heart. When you hear the saying “Nigeria is not a real place”, this is what it means. When you hear “May Nigeria never happen to you”, this is why Nigerians in droves are escaping this country everyday.

“Whilst dancing during a social event, tampered with Naira notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by marching on the same”. As a lawyer, I am even ashamed at the drafting of the charge with local and inflammatory language such as “marching” on the notes

If there’s ever a bullshit law in this country, this is it. #FreeTerryApala”