Shatta Wale Detained by EOCO Over Lamborghini Tax Probe

Ghanaian dancehall superstar Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., popularly known as Shatta Wale, has been detained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in connection with a tax-related inquiry involving a yellow 2019 Lamborghini Urus. The detention follows an ongoing investigation into the vehicle, which was seized in June 2025 due to its alleged connection to a multi-million-dollar fraud case in the United States.

Shatta Wale’s management confirmed that the artist voluntarily presented himself at EOCO’s offices in Accra on Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by his lawyer, Cephas Biyuo, to assist with the investigation. Samuel Atuobi Baah, known as Sammy Flex, a member of Shatta Wale’s management team, issued a statement assuring fans that the legal team is working to secure his release. The statement emphasized that Shatta Wale is cooperating fully with authorities to resolve the matter.

The investigation focuses on tax obligations tied to the purchase of the Lamborghini, which EOCO alleges was bought with proceeds from financial crimes linked to Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian American currently serving an 86-month prison sentence in the U.S. for running romance scams and business email compromise schemes. The vehicle was seized from Shatta Wale’s Trassaco Valley residence following a request from the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department.

Shatta Wale has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he purchased the vehicle for $150,000 as a third-party buyer and has no connection to Amuah. In a TikTok live session, he claimed to possess all necessary documents proving ownership and insisted the car was not stolen, as speculated by some media outlets. He reiterated his stance in a public statement, expressing confidence in clearing his name.

The detention has sparked widespread reactions, with fans rallying under hashtags like #FREESHATTAWALE, alleging the investigation aims to tarnish the artist’s image. Others have speculated about potential consequences, such as asset freezes or travel bans, if found guilty of fraud-related charges, though these claims remain unverified.

The seizure of the Lamborghini has already impacted Shatta Wale’s career. Reports indicate he lost a $2 million music distribution deal for his *Voice of the Crown* EP due to the negative publicity. Additionally, Afro+ Fest organizers announced that Shatta Wale would not perform at their 2025 Washington, D.C., event, citing logistical constraints, though some believe the decision was influenced by his legal troubles.

EOCO has named Shatta Wale and a former senior officer of the National Signals Bureau as persons of interest in the investigation. The agency stated that the Lamborghini is expected to be returned to the U.S. as part of a $4.7 million restitution for Amuah’s victims. Further updates are anticipated as the legal process continues.

Shatta Wale’s management has urged fans to remain calm and avoid speculation, expressing confidence in the judicial process. The artist continues to maintain his innocence, highlighting his 25-year career built on hard work and dedication.