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ACCRA, Ghana (AFP) — Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale has been taken into custody in Accra as part of a United States (US) investigation into his purchase of a Lamborghini, prompting hundreds of fans to protest for his release.
Shatta Wale, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah, was interrogated Wednesday in connection with a 2019 Lamborghini Urus that US authorities suspect was purchased with the proceeds of a $4 million fraud case in the United States, Ghana's Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) said in a statement Thursday.
Hundreds of fans gathered outside the EOCO's office in Accra Thursday, vowing to remain overnight until the singer is released from custody following hours of interrogation.
The probe is part of a wider US fraud probe involving Ghanaian national Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is serving a jail term in the United States, the agency added.
The EOCO said the Lamborghini, which had already been seized by Ghanaian authorities earlier this year, is the subject of an order by the US District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky authorising the US government to take possession of the car in Ghana as compensation.
The artist arrived at the EOCO on Wednesday afternoon and waited for his lawyer before questioning proceeded into the evening, according to the statement.
He was granted bail at 10 million cedis (about $900,000) and has been in custody pending verification of his guarantors, the EOCO said.
The EOCO said the singer has not produced purchasing paperwork for the vehicle and told investigators he bought it for $150,000 from the "street", possibly via a WhatsApp contact named "Zak", whose identity he could not provide and whose contact he said he discarded.
The agency said it acted on requests from the FBI and the US Department of Justice to track the vehicle and pursue local leads.
Outside the EOCO's gates, supporters from the "Shatta Movement" chanted and held up photos of the star's image.
"Until our king walks out, we won't move -- even if we sleep here," one fan said.
Shatta Wale's legal team has previously insisted he bought the car in good faith and denies any knowledge of criminal links.
GENEVA, Switzerland – UN Trade and Development convenes world leaders, ministers and experts to tackle today’s pressing issues, strengthen cooperation and build a brighter future. From 20 to 23 October 2025, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) will welcome to Geneva, Switzerland, leaders from governments, business, academia and civil society for its 16th ministerial session – UNCTAD16. […]
The post World’s leading trade and development conference convenes amid uncertain times – UNCTAD16 appeared first on Caribbean News Global.
LONDON, England – The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has summoned the Israeli ambassador today following the Israeli Higher Planning Commission’s decision to approve the E1 settlement plan An FCDO spokesperson said: “Today, the ambassador of Israel to the United Kingdom was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. “Her Excellency Tzipi Hotovely was […]
The post UK summons Israeli ambassador following approval of E1 settlement plan appeared first on Caribbean News Global.
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada – Grenada has once again proven that we are more than just the “Spice of the Caribbean”, we are the “Safe Spice of the Caribbean”. As we reflect on the recently concluded Carnival celebrations, we take great pride in the fact that the festivities were marked by vibrant cultural expression, unity and […]
The post Preserving Grenada’s reputation as a safe destination appeared first on Caribbean News Global.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) has warned that the United States’ decision to raise Trinidad and Tobago’s reciprocal tariff rate from 10 to 15 percent could result in the most severe, absolute impact upon any of the CARICOM member states. This impact could put the country in the unenviable position of […]
The post US tariff deepens Trinidad and Tobago losses: CPSO warns of impact on industry and livelihoods appeared first on Caribbean News Global.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As reggae artiste Sizzla continues to celebrate his milestone 30th anniversary in music, the stories of how his music has uplifted and inspired continue. With songs such as Solid As A Rock, Never See Us Fall and many more, the entertainer has encouraged generations to pursue their dreams relentlessly, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Speaking at the official media launch for the entertainer’s upcoming celebratory concert, Holness shared how Sizzla’s music became a personal anthem that inspired him to pursue his purpose as a politician. Recalling in 2011 when he was on the cusp of greatness, Holness shared that as he contemplated what was easily the biggest decision of his life at the time, it was Sizzla’s Rise to the Occasion that became his source of inspiration.
“In 2011, I had a big decision to make in my life, and one morning I was contemplating, and this song came on, Rise to the occasion, look at yourself…no one can stop you. That song was the inspiration for me to step forward to become the leader of my political party and eventually to become prime minister. It was that song that inspired me,” he said.
He continued, “There were times when I had difficult situations, and you have to psych yourself up. Some people use all kinds of means to psych themselves up; I listen to Sizzla. So I just came here to say to you that you wouldn’t always know the details of the power of your music. Your attorney read a letter from someone who was inspired to live, and I may have to pen you such a letter as well, but I just wanted to tell you personally that you have inspired me.”
Outlining that as the Caribbean’s musical hub, Jamaica produces a plethora of diverse music, Holness praised Sizzla for always curating content that motivates.
“Our music is diverse and it produces a variety, but I would like to say that the music you produce is music with purpose and meaning,” he said as Sizzla looked on. “It is music that will transcend generations, and so it is timeless. The music that you produce deals with subjects that are uplifting, and it is not always the case that we have artistes of your calibre, so I consider you to be a national icon in our music.”
The launch held at Kamila’s Kitchen in downtown Kingston was also supported by the Minister of Entertainment and Culture, Olivia Grange, as well as Minister of Finance, Fayval Williams, who is also Member of Parliament for the constituency of St Andrew Eastern, where Sizzla's hometown of August Town is located. Scores of industry professionals also descended on the venue, indicating that the show on October 19 at Sabina Park will be well supported.
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