The ongoing legal case surrounding the seizure of a 2019 Lamborghini Urus from dancehall star Shatta Wale is fundamentally about restitution, not punishment, according to international lawyer Amanda Clinton.
The Head of Chambers for Clinton Consultancy explained in an interview that the absence of criminal charges against the artiste so far points to a process aimed at repayment rather than prosecution.
The investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) was initiated at the request of the U.S. Department of Justice, which is seeking the repatriation of the vehicle as part of a forfeiture order.
The car has been identified as a “substitute asset” to satisfy a US$4 million restitution order against Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian national convicted of fraud in the U.S.
Ms Clinton stated: “The lack of criminal charges suggests this is truly about restitution—not punishing Shatta Wale, but securing repayment via the car.”
She further clarified that EOCO’s role is to enforce asset seizure laws and ensure Ghana fulfils its international obligations under a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with the U.S.
The process in Ghana, however, is not automatic. While EOCO has seized the vehicle, it must apply to a Ghanaian High Court for an order to enforce the U.S. request. The court will then determine whether the car qualifies as “proceeds of crime” under Ghanaian law and whether Shatta Wale qualifies as an “innocent purchaser” who bought the car in good faith.
“The EOCO’s investigation is not a direct fraud case against Shatta Wale but rather an enforcement of a foreign restitution order,” she explained in an interview with Citi FM.
Ms Clinton’s analysis highlights the cooperation between international justice systems in recovering assets tied to global financial crimes.
Shatta Wale was detained for nearly two days over the matter and released on August 21.
