The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has released dancehall artist Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, after reviewing his bail condition from GH¢10 million to GH¢5 million with two sureties.
The development brings temporary relief to the celebrated musician after days in custody over his alleged connection to a $4 million fraud scheme uncovered in the United States.
From GH¢10m to GH¢5m bail
Shatta Wale was first granted bail on August 20, 2025, after a marathon interrogation session that lasted deep into the night. Investigators had questioned him about a Lamborghini Urus, seized in Ghana in May 2025, which U.S. authorities flagged as proceeds of fraud.
Initially, the artist’s bail was set at GH¢10 million with two sureties, a condition that proved difficult to meet immediately. EOCO has since reviewed the requirement downwards to GH¢5 million, making it easier for his release while investigations continue. Officials confirmed that his freedom will follow standard inspection of the sureties provided.
Link to $4m fraud case
The Lamborghini in question has been traced by the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department to Ghanaian national Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is currently serving a sentence in the United States for a large-scale fraud operation.
A court in Kentucky ordered the car’s forfeiture as restitution in the case.
Shatta Wale, who had been driving the vehicle, insists he purchased it for $150,000 “from the street” through an informal WhatsApp contact named “ZAK.”
However, investigators say he has so far failed to provide proof of ownership or verifiable details of the seller’s identity.
The probe, EOCO stressed, is part of a wider investigation into possible Ghanaian co-conspirators linked to the multimillion-dollar fraud.
Interrogation and legal representation
When Shatta Wale reported to EOCO on August 20, he initially refused to speak until his lawyer arrived, leading to delays in the interrogation process.
He was eventually questioned until around 9pm before being granted bail.
His legal team has maintained his innocence, arguing that he is being unfairly dragged into a case that does not directly implicate him in criminal activity.
Fans besiege EOCO offices
Outside the legal proceedings, the controversy has sparked passionate reactions from Shatta Wale’s fan base, the Shatta Movement (SM).
On Thursday, August 21, hundreds of supporters thronged the EOCO offices in Accra, clad in SM-branded outfits and waving placards.
Their chants of “#FreeShattaWale” filled the air as they called on authorities to show leniency towards the musician. Placards carried inscriptions such as “Please Have Mercy on Shatta Wale” and “Justice for Shatta.”
According to the demonstrators, the continued detention of the artist was unfair and undermined his enormous contributions to Ghana’s music and entertainment industry. Some accused EOCO of deliberately targeting him.
EOCO assures due process
EOCO has urged the public to remain calm, assuring that due process is being followed.
Officials emphasised that Shatta Wale’s release on bail does not signal the end of the matter, but rather reflects the need to respect his rights as investigations proceed.
What lies ahead
While the reduction of the bail amount paves the way for Shatta Wale’s temporary freedom, his legal troubles are far from over. EOCO is expected to press further for evidence on the ownership of the Lamborghini, as well as investigate possible links between Ghanaian nationals and the $4 million fraud.
For now, the musician walks a fine line between his reputation as one of Ghana’s biggest entertainers and the shadow of an international fraud scandal that refuses to fade.
