Ghanaian star Shatta Wale has been detained in Accra in connection with a tax investigation tied to his recent purchase of a luxury vehicle, his management said. The dancehall heavyweight—legal name Charles Nii Armah—“presented himself voluntarily” to the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) and is cooperating with authorities, according to a statement from his team.
The development follows the seizure of Wale’s yellow Lamborghini Urus earlier this month at the request of U.S. authorities, who allege the car is connected to proceeds from a criminal enterprise involving Ghanaian-American Nana Kwabena Amuah, currently serving a seven-year U.S. sentence for fraud. EOCO has indicated the vehicle will be returned to the United States to support restitution for victims.
Wale has distanced himself from the case, saying he had no relationship with Amuah, describes himself as a “third-party owner” of the roughly $150,000 SUV, and says he does not know who shipped it to Ghana. His management attributed his detention to “tax obligations” and urged fans to avoid speculation while his legal team engages officials.
The fallout has already hit the stage. Organizers of Washington, D.C.’s AfroPlus Fest removed Shatta Wale from the Aug. 31 lineup—an event that had billed him alongside marquee names—citing logistical issues. The timing of the decision comes as the car-seizure probe unfolds; Wale has publicly claimed he reimbursed the festival fee.
A towering figure in Ghanaian pop culture, Shatta Wale built his brand on Jamaica-leaning dancehall and boosted his global profile with a feature on Beyoncé’s 2019 track “Already.” His detention arrives amid a broader U.S.–Ghana push against transnational fraud; this month, the FBI and U.S. Justice Department announced arrests and extraditions tied to a $100 million scheme.
As of press time, EOCO had not issued a public statement regarding potential charges. Wale’s team says he remains committed to resolving the matter through legal channels.
