Police in Georgia have released more details about the surprising arrest of a world-famous R&B star (whose chart-topping hits once dominated radio) after he was briefly detained last week.
The 52-year-old musician was taken into custody on November 7 by officers from the Chamblee Police Department, following a warrant issued out of Roswell. According to authorities, he was booked around midday, spent about six hours in DeKalb County Jail, and was released just after 6:30PM. after being processed, The Sun reports.
Court and jail records show the performer – whose real name is Aliaune Badara Akon Thiam – was detained as part of an out-of-county warrant. Police reports reveal that officers were responding to what they called a “flock-warrant person alert” connected to a white Tesla truck. The vehicle’s registered owner, it turned out, was already wanted by the Roswell Police Department.
Credit: Shane Anthony Sinclair / Getty Images.
Why Akon Was Arrested
That owner was none other than Grammy-nominated singer Akon, best known for global hits like 'Smack That' and 'Locked Up'.
According to the warrant, the arrest stemmed from multiple issues, including no valid insurance on his Tesla, possession of an illegal vape, and a suspended driver’s license.
Documents indicate the suspended license issue dated back to September, when police in Roswell found the star stranded on the side of the road after his Tesla’s battery died. Officers reportedly towed the vehicle, and later discovered that his license had been suspended due to a failure to appear in January 2023.
Akon’s Team Responds to the Allegations
In a statement to The Independent, a representative for the artist downplayed the situation, saying it was the result of a clerical error: "Due to a clerical issue the suspended license should have never been escalated. It was paid but not properly entered into the system. This will be soon rectified in the courts in early December."
Mug Shot Released After Calm Arrest
According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, the singer’s mug shot (obtained by TMZ) shows him wearing a black hoodie and appearing “mostly expressionless.” Police sources told the outlet that he remained calm throughout the encounter and told officers he was already aware of the warrant before being handcuffed.
Akon's mugshot. Credit: Dekalb County.
Tour Continues Despite Legal Setback
The arrest came in the middle of Akon’s ongoing tour of India. He performed in Delhi on November 9 and is scheduled to appear next in Bengaluru on November 14, followed by Mumbai on November 16.
After wrapping his international shows, the R&B icon is expected to return to the United States in early January 2026.
Outside of his music career, Akon has long been known for his philanthropic work. His Konfidence Foundation supports underprivileged children across Africa, and his various business and charity ventures have earned him recognition far beyond the entertainment world.