The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has detained dancehall artist Shatta Wale, real name Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr.
His management confirmed the development in a statement released by publicist Sammy Baah Flex on X.com on Tuesday, August 20, linking the case to the purchase of a yellow Lamborghini that triggered scrutiny from investigators.
“The management of dancehall artist Shatta Wale (Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr.) is issuing this statement following his detention by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) today.
“This follows an inquiry related to tax obligations of a yellow Lamborghini vehicle. Mr. Mensah presented himself voluntarily at the EOCO offices this afternoon along with his lawyer Cephas Biyuo, to assist with investigations.
The statement assured Shatta Wale’s fans “…and the general public that his legal team is fully engaged and actively working with the authorities to resolve this matter. They are taking all necessary steps to secure his release at the earliest opportunity.”
“We urge the SM Family and all well-wishers to remain calm and avoid any speculation. We have the utmost confidence in the judicial process.
Management and his legal representatives will return to the EOCO offices tomorrow morning to continue these discussions. We will provide further updates as appropriate,” Mr Baah further stated.
READ ALSO: Shatta Wale's Lamborghini Urus is a stolen car from USA - EOCO confirms raid
It would be recalled that on August 5, EOCO seized a 2019 Lamborghini Urus from the residence of dancehall musician Shatta Wale.
This was contained in a press release issued by EOCO and signed by the Acting Executive Director, Raymnod Archer.
“In June this year, the Economic and Organized Crime Office acting on a 2023 request from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the United States Justice Department undertook an operation which led to a lawful search in a home at Trassaco Valley Phase 1, in Accra. The operation which was undertaken by the Surveillance And Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) of EOCO led to the discovery and seizure of a 2019 Lamborghini Urus which the FBI and the
Justice Department have tied to the proceeds of the criminal enterprise of one Nana Kwabena Amuah who is currently serving an 86-month sentence for several financial crimes in the US,” the press release indicated.
It added that, “The car was seized from one Charles Nii Armah, aka Shatta Wale. The officers were professional and civil and the search and seizure occurred without incident. Nii Armah had pleaded with officers that he did not want the seizure to be made public because the vehicle was a big part of his brand and that if his supporters saw the vehicle being driven away in the company of EOCO, it would destroy his brand.”
“Nii Armah was allowed to surrender the vehicle himself which is currently in the possession of EOCO. It is a standard safety protocol practice for officers of the Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) to carry weapons whilst on operation for the safety of officers. The FBI and the Justice Department intend to send a formal Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) to the Government of Ghana to return the car to the United States as part of Nana Kwabena Amuah’s $4,743,443 restitution,” EOCO further stated.
“Charles Nii Armah aka Shatta Wale and a former senior officer of the National Signal Bureau (NSB) have been assessed as persons of interest and will be invited by EOCO to assist in further ongoing investigations in the coming days. EOCO may share the final investigations report to the FBI and the Justice Department as part of our ongoing cooperation,” the press release noted.