Shatta Wale reserves the right not to disclose the vehicle’s seller to EOCO –Lawyer

Private legal practitioner Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers says dancehall artiste Shatta Wale cannot be compelled to disclose to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) the identity of the individual from whom he purchased the controversial Lamborghini Urus.

According to him, the musician has the constitutional right to remain silent during interrogation and cannot be forced to provide information that may potentially incriminate him.

“Shatta Wale has the right not to incriminate himself, and this privilege can be invoked in both civil and criminal proceedings,” Mr. Brako-Powers explained in an interview with Alfred Ocansey on 3FM on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

The lawyer, who is also a development communications expert, was reacting to EOCO’s detention of Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, in connection with the 2019 Lamborghini Urus.

The luxury vehicle, reportedly bought for $150,000, is suspected of being linked to a $4 million financial crime involving Ghanaian national Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is currently serving a custodial sentence in the United States. EOCO suspects that proceeds from the crime may have funded the car’s acquisition.

Following his arrest, Shatta Wale was granted bail of GH?10 million with two sureties, later revised to GH?5 million after legal representations. He has since secured his release, though his prolonged detention earlier sparked protests from supporters who argued he was being held beyond the constitutionally mandated 48-hour period.

Commenting on that development, Mr. Brako-Powers described the continued detention as unconstitutional. He stressed that law enforcement agencies are required by law to either release a suspect or present them before a court within 48 hours.

“The law is clear that 48 hours is 48 hours and not a minute or second beyond. This attitude of law enforcement agencies does not ensure certainty of the law’s application,” he cautioned.

He further urged lawyers representing suspects to take legal action against security agencies that violate this constitutional safeguard. Mr. Brako-Powers also called on the government to ensure that state institutions, particularly anti-graft and security agencies, respect the fundamental rights of suspects in custody.

He emphasized that due process is critical in the fight against crime, adding that protecting constitutional rights is equally essential to maintaining public confidence in Ghana’s justice system.

Credit: 3news.com

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