Global music icon Akon is going through a significant personal transition as his wife, Tomeka Thiam, has officially filed for divorce after nearly 30 years of marriage. As reported by People on Saturday, court filings submitted in Fulton County, Georgia, on September 11, 2025, indicate that Thiam is seeking to end their marriage due to irreconcilable differences.

The couple, who have one daughter together, are nearing what would have been their 29th wedding anniversary next month. In her divorce petition, Thiam has requested joint legal custody of their daughter but has asked for primary physical custody, with visitation rights allocated to Akon.

Additionally, she is seeking spousal support for herself and has requested that the court deny any such request from the singer. This divorce comes at a time when Akon, 51, continues to publicly defend his stance on polygamy, a practice he has closely associated with his cultural heritage.

In a 2022 appearance on The Zeze Mills Show, he referred to polygamy as a natural aspect of his culture, stating, “(Polygamy is) part of our culture. Absolutely. For me, it looks normal because it’s culture for us. We didn’t go outside of our African culture when we entered the Western world. The mistake the Western world made was to create all these rules without considering nature.”

Akon, who has publicly acknowledged having nine children, has frequently discussed how he juggles family responsibilities alongside his demanding career. He noted that while he ensures his family has financial stability, his presence at daily events is often limited. He said in the same 2022 interview, “My job isn’t to handle all that extra stuff and these holidays and recitals. While I’m meeting my responsibilities to ensure my family has a roof over their heads and food, if I can also show love, then yes, I will do that.”

He further mentioned that technology has allowed him to stay connected: “Me being there for my children includes providing for them financially. I’m present when I can be, but it’s impossible to be everywhere at once. Technology enables me to be there every day, whether through FaceTime or other means.”

As of now, neither Akon nor Thiam has provided an official statement regarding the divorce filing.

Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), in partnership with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Department of Justice, has seized a luxurious 2019 Lamborghini Urus from renowned dancehall artist Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., known as Shatta Wale.

According to a press release issued by EOCO’s acting Executive Director, Raymond Archer, the seizure was executed following a request from US authorities in 2023. The operation took place at Shatta Wale’s residence in Trassaco Valley Phase 1, Accra.

“In June this year, EOCO conducted a search at a property in Trassaco Valley Phase 1, Accra, based on a 2023 request from the FBI and the US Justice Department,” the statement noted.

The operation, led by EOCO’s Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU), resulted in the discovery and confiscation of the luxury vehicle, which is said to be connected to the proceeds of criminal activities linked to one Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is currently serving an 86-month prison sentence for various financial crimes in the US.

EOCO confirmed that the Lamborghini was found in Shatta Wale’s possession. He voluntarily surrendered the vehicle to prevent a public spectacle. “The car was taken from Charles Nii Armah, aka Shatta Wale. The officers conducted themselves professionally and civilly, and the search proceeded without any incidents. Nii Armah expressed concerns about the public nature of the seizure impacting his brand, and he was permitted to hand over the vehicle personally,” the statement explained.

EOCO clarified that SARU officers were armed during the operation, which is standard protocol for safety reasons. “It is routine procedure for officers in the Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) to carry weapons while on duty for their security,” the statement added.

The Lamborghini is associated with criminal gains from Nana Kwabena Amuah, who owes approximately $4.74 million in restitution to US authorities. The vehicle is slated to be returned to the United States as part of this recovery initiative.

The FBI and the Justice Department plan to formally seek the Government of Ghana’s assistance in repatriating the car as part of Amuah’s restitution. Both Shatta Wale and a former senior officer of the National Signal Bureau (NSB) have been identified as persons of interest and will be asked by EOCO to assist in ongoing investigations in the near future.

EOCO also indicated that it may share its final investigative report with US authorities to facilitate ongoing collaboration. “We may provide the final investigative report to the FBI and the Justice Department as part of our continued cooperation,” the statement concluded.

In reaction to this, Shatta Wale took to Facebook to voice his displeasure with EOCO’s tactics, especially regarding the presence of armed personnel. He commented, “Raymond Archer, EOCO Boss, you’re going to make the NDC lose the next election. Bringing guns to my house was unnecessary.”

In another post, he stated, “EOCO boss, the president did not appoint you to belittle the citizens of this nation. Remember, God is always watching.”

A single glittery sock worn by the late pop superstar Michael Jackson during a concert in France has sold for over $8,000 at auction. The sale took place on Wednesday, according to a French auctioneer.

The sock was discovered by a technician who found it discarded near Jackson’s dressing room after his performance in Nimes in July 1997. During his “HIStory World Tour,” Jackson was known for wearing white athletic socks decorated with rhinestones, and he can be seen wearing similar socks in performances of his iconic hit “Billie Jean.”

Now decades later, the sock is stained and the rhinestones have yellowed, as shown in a photo posted on the auction site. Auctioneer Aurore Illy described the item as “exceptional” and a “cult object” for fans of Michael Jackson.

Originally valued between 3,000 to 4,000 euros ($3,400-4,500), the sock ultimately sold for 7,688 euros ($8,822) at the Nimes auction house.

For comparison, a gaming resort in Macau purchased a glittery glove worn by Jackson for $350,000, which he donned during his first “moonwalk” performance in 1983. Additionally, a hat he wore shortly before that performance sold for over $80,000 in Paris in 2023. Despite controversies during his life and posthumously, including child molestation allegations that he and his estate have denied, Jackson remains an iconic figure with a massive fan base.