Ghanaian dancehall star, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, has been granted bail by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in the sum of GH¢10 million with two sureties to be justified.
According to Graphic Online, EOCO announced in a statement on Thursday that the singer will remain in custody until the sureties present verifiable properties that meet the bail conditions.
Shatta Wale was invited to EOCO’s office on Wednesday in connection with investigations into the purchase of a Lamborghini Urus, which authorities allege is tied to proceeds from a $4 million crime involving Nana Kwabena Amuah — a Ghanaian currently serving an 86-month jail term in the United States.
During nearly four hours of questioning, the musician reportedly failed to identify the person who sold him the luxury car, only claiming that he bought it on the “street” from someone possibly named “ZAK,” whose identity and contact details he no longer has. EOCO also revealed that Shatta Wale could not produce receipts or transfer documents proving ownership, aside from a Customs declaration form bearing Amuah’s name.
In June, EOCO, working alongside the U.S. FBI and Justice Department, searched Shatta Wale’s Trassaco Valley residence in Accra. The operation led to the seizure of the 2019 Lamborghini Urus linked to Amuah’s criminal proceeds. The agency noted that although officers were armed, the exercise was peaceful, with Shatta Wale himself surrendering the vehicle after expressing concern that a public confiscation would damage his image.
U.S. authorities are now seeking the repatriation of the vehicle as part of Amuah’s restitution of nearly $4.7 million. EOCO further disclosed that Shatta Wale, along with a former senior officer of Ghana’s National Signal Bureau, remain persons of interest and may face further questioning as investigations continue.
