Consultant Explains Why 48-Hour Rule May Not Apply in Shatta Wale’s EOCO Case
Security and Fraud Consultant, Richard Kumadoe, has stated that the constitutional 48-hour rule may not strictly apply in the case of dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, who is currently being detained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
According to him, EOCO has the legal option of seeking a court order for additional time if they believe the musician has more questions to answer.
“All things being equal, if nothing else happens and EOCO goes to court and says 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,” Kumadoe 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. It is designed to safeguard personal liberty and prevent arbitrary detention.
However, Kumadoe stressed that the safeguard does not completely prevent law enforcement from extending detention if a court is convinced there is reasonable cause. He further hinted that Shatta Wale’s case may extend beyond the Lamborghini under probe.
“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 noted.
He also advised the artiste to remain calm, avoid social media outbursts, and respect investigative processes.
“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.
The development has attracted widespread public interest, with many awaiting the outcome of EOCO’s next steps.
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