Lawyer Amanda Clinton Shares Escape Route for Shatta Wale: “Present Credible Proof of Ownership”

• Legal analyst Amanda Clinton has dissected Shatta Wale's legal troubles, which culminated in his detention
• The dancehall star was detained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office at its headquarters on August 20
• Shatta Wale was detained by the EOCO in a tax investigation linked to the purchase of his yellow Lamborghini

Lawyer and legal analyst Amanda Clinton believes Shatta Wale is on shaky ground regarding his defence of accusations that he bought a luxury car linked to organised crime.

In comments on the saga, Clinton noted that unless he produces solid documentation proving a legitimate acquisition, such as bank statements, bills of sale, and customs receipts, Ghana’s courts are unlikely to accept an explanation for ownership of the car.

Shatta Wale, real name Charles Nii Armah, notably said he bought the $150,000 Lamborghini Urus under scrutiny from the streets.

Clinton noted that the dancehall musician was asserting an innocent purchaser defence and claiming he paid for it in good faith.

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“For Shatta Wale, the key is not to panic but to present credible proof of ownership. Without that, the restitution process will likely move forward and the car will be shipped out.”

“…that defense is extremely weak. So far, he only has a customs form in Amuah’s name, which doesn’t support his claim.

In Clinton’s view, the substance of the saga would lie in how Ghana cooperates with international justice.

She explained that it showed the Economic and Organised Crime Office and US agencies worked closely together on cross-border fraud.

Shatta Wale was detained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office on August 20 in an investigation linked to his purchase the Lamborghini. He has since been granted bail.

The Lamborghini was seized earlier in August at the request of the US authorities. The vehicle is said to be linked to a criminal enterprise.

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The vehicle was identified by the FBI as being linked to a $4 million crime involving one Nana Kwabena Amuah, a fraud convict in the US. Wale has denied any links to Amuah, who was jailed for fraud in 2023.

Earlier in August, the FBI and US Justice Department extradited and arrested three Ghanaian nationals alleged accused of engaging in a $100 million fraud scheme.

US interest in Shatta Wale’s Lamborghini explained

Clinton explained that the Lamborghini has been flagged in a US restitution order connected to the fraud conviction of Amuah in Kentucky.

“Restitution means the US courts are trying to collect money or assets to repay victims of that fraud.”

“A US judge has already authorised that this car can be taken as a substitute asset. That is why the Department of Justice formally asked EOCO to seize and eventually repatriate the car through mutual legal assistance.”

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Could Shatta Wale face time in jail?

Clinton noted that the Economic and Organised Crime Office is not prosecuting Shatta Wale for fraud yet.

"Their role is to enforce asset seizure laws. They’re investigating tax matters and ensuring Ghana meets its international obligations."

She explained further that the lack of criminal charges suggests this is truly about restitution and not punishing Shatta Wale.

Police officer clashes with Shatta Wale's fans

YEN.com.gh also reported that a police officer clashed with Shatta Wale's fans after they converged in front of the EOCO headquarters.

According to footage circulating online, the officer traded words with the supporters after he went to warn them about their behaviour.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh