Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has publicly explained the circumstances that led to Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy being temporarily detained upon arrival at an airport in Morocco.
The Airport Incident and CAF's Intervention
In a viral video from a press briefing, Motsepe recounted receiving a call requesting his assistance after the "Last Last" hitmaker was stopped by customs officials. The issue centered on the singer's "heavy and beautiful gold jewellery," which reportedly required declaration or scrutiny under local regulations.
"I intervened and it was resolved," the CAF president stated, confirming that the matter was settled amicably following his involvement. The incident occurred as Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, travelled to Rabat on Tuesday, January 16, 2026.
Purpose of the Morocco Trip: AFCON Fan Zone Finale
The African Giant's journey was for a major musical performance. He was the headline act at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Fan Zone concert finale in the Moroccan capital. The event also featured performances by Ghanaian dancehall star Stonebwoy and Moroccan artists Stormy and Jaylann.
His participation was part of the festivities surrounding the continental football tournament, highlighting the blend of sports and entertainment.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians Online
The revelation sparked a wave of comments from Nigerians on social media, with opinions divided on the incident's significance.
Some users framed it as a routine enforcement of travel laws, comparing it to similar situations involving international stars like Lil Wayne in Saudi Arabia. Others saw it as a slight, suggesting that more globally recognized Nigerian artists like Wizkid or Davido might not have faced the same hurdle.
Notable reactions included comments about upholding the rule of law, with one user noting, "One thing I admire about Morocco is that the rule of law is upheld regardless of status." Conversely, another user expressed national pride, stating, "Hold African giant keh, all this small small African countries Una too dey whine Us ooh."
The episode underscores the occasional travel complexities faced by high-profile individuals carrying valuable items and the importance of understanding varying customs regulations across different countries.
