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. […]
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For 27-year-old up-and-coming producer Akeem Richards music has been his passion for as long as he can remember.
“There is nothing I love more than music,” he said told the Jamaica Observer’s Splash in a recent conversation.
Fuelled by the need for a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the industry, Richards, more popularly known in the industry as Donflakes, honed his craft and is ready to take the industry by storm.
“Being consistent was key. I realised I had to learn to make beats. Everything was just pushing me to go harder, and I told myself I had to figure it all out,” he said.
Focus, Richards added, was what separated him from his peers.
“Weekday, the producer who has been working closely with 450, saw the work I was doing and started to show me the ropes. It has been non-stop work from there; sleepless nights in the studio, but we’re keeping focused.”
According to him, comedian and record label owner Deno Crazy saw his commitment and decided to give him a chance to work on his label. That opportunity would in turn open bigger doors, doors that he hopes will lead to new musical dimensions.
“I was working with limited resources until Deno Crazy make we have a studio and introduced me to Jahvy Ambassador (450’s road manager), and that’s where everything just started falling in line,” he said. “From before him get the break, Deno Crazy always a motivate we fi do the right thing and be different. There is never a day that he doesn’t encourage me to put in the work. I don’t plan on disappointing him.”
Now boasting a new track courtesy of 450, Richards is counting his blessings as he looks to further himself in the industry.
“I eventually got the chance to work with 450 and, to be honest, that was a great experience in itself. Hearing 450 on vocals will amaze you. Just his creativity and the way he flows and puts his lyrics together, he’s a special kind of artiste who is on the verge of greatness himself,” he said.
Donflakes told Splash that he is confident in the work they have done.
“Our track is called Doze Off, and with faith and a strong mind I know it will open a lot of doors for new opportunities and industry credibility. Others will see that the work is quality and will hopefully want to work with me as well,” he continued. “And we can’t forget the financial benefits, too, but that will come. I am just focused on becoming one of dancehall ’s best alongside the Crazy Way team, Tru Ambassador, plus the syndicate.”
