Security and Fraud Consultant, Richard Kumadoe, has stated that the constitutional 48-hour rule may not apply in the case of Dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, who is currently being detained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
According to Mr. Kumadoe, EOCO has the option of going to court to request additional time if they believe there are further questions the musician must answer.
He explained that while all charges are generally bailable, the EOCO can place bail conditions that may prolong detention.
“All other things being equal, meaning that if nothing else happens and EOCO can go to court and say there are further questions for Shatta Wale to answer, then he has to stay more than 48 hours. Or they place a bail amount on him, and if he is not able to meet it, he stays more than 48 hours. It’s not a must that he has to be released in 48 hours. All charges are bailable, but there is a ‘but’ EOCO can go to court and say they need him further,” he explained.
The 48-hour rule in Ghana, derived from Article 14(3) of the 1992 Constitution, mandates that a person arrested or detained must be brought before a court within 48 hours, unless released.
The provision is intended to safeguard the right to liberty and prevent arbitrary or prolonged detention without judicial review.
However, Kumadoe stressed that the constitutional safeguard does not completely prevent law enforcement bodies from extending detention if a court is convinced there is reasonable cause.
He also warned that Shatta Wale’s current predicament may extend beyond the luxury car under probe.
Speaking on Yen Nsempa on Onua FM Thursday, August 21, 2025, the consultant advised the artiste to tread cautiously and avoid engaging in social media outbursts.
“When EOCO says they are investigating you for a car, do you know the other things under the sleeves of the investigators? For all you know, the Lamborghini is just their first lead,” he said.
According to the Consultant, once a person comes under crime investigation notice, there are clear steps to follow.
“Number one, don’t dictate to investigators. Number two, don’t display awkward behavior. Number three, keep your mouth shut, otherwise, you expose yourself and operate from a position of weakness,” he cautioned on Yen Nsempa, Onua FM.
The development has sparked widespread public interest, with many awaiting the outcome of EOCO’s next steps.
