Charles Nii Armah Mensah, dancehall artist widely known as Shatta Wale, was released from the custody of Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) Thursday after nearly two days of detention tied to an ongoing international financial crimes investigation.
In a live social media broadcast following his release, Mr. Mensah praised EOCO officials for what he described as a professional and transparent process. “To all the staff at EOCO, you guys have been wonderful,” the artist said. “You really took me through the rightful processes that were needed. I just want to say God bless you.”
Mr. Mensah’s arrest and detention were part of a broader probe into the acquisition of a 2019 Lamborghini Urus, which authorities allege is connected to a $4 million financial fraud scheme. The car was seized by EOCO in coordination with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The vehicle is believed to have ties to Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian national currently serving a sentence in the United States for orchestrating the financial scam.
According to an EOCO statement, Mr. Mensah was unable to provide documentation verifying ownership of the luxury vehicle, aside from a customs declaration form listing Amuah’s name. During a four-hour interrogation, the artist reportedly told investigators that he had purchased the vehicle “from the street,” and could not identify the seller.
Following legal consultations, EOCO agreed to revise the terms of Mr. Mensah’s bail. The initial GH¢10 million ($820,000) bail was reduced to GH¢5 million ($410,000), with two sureties to be justified. Under the new conditions, Mr. Mensah is required to report to EOCO three times per week as investigations continue.
Samuel Atuobi Baah, the artist’s manager—known professionally as Sammy Flex—confirmed the revised bail conditions in comments to local media outlet JoyNews.
The case has drawn significant public attention in Ghana, where Mr. Mensah enjoys a substantial following under the banner of the “Shatta Movement.” Supporters gathered outside EOCO’s Accra offices during his detention, chanting and displaying placards of support.
In his social media address, Mr. Mensah thanked his fans for their unwavering support, singling out his mentor, Nii Original, for special mention. “One Don is safe,” he said. “I needed you guys the most, and you held me down.”
Mr. Mensah’s legal troubles have sparked renewed scrutiny over the financial dealings of Ghana’s entertainment elite and the sources of their apparent wealth. The episode also highlights an expanding collaboration between Ghanaian and U.S. law enforcement agencies aimed at tracing and seizing assets acquired through transnational financial crime.
EOCO officials have not indicated when the investigation might conclude, but they noted that the case remains active, and further developments are expected.
