CAF president reveals Burna Boy was held at Moroccan airport over jewellery issue

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy was briefly held by customs officials at a Moroccan airport over issues relating to the jewellery he was carrying while travelling to Rabat for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Fan Zone concert.

The incident was confirmed by the President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, who disclosed during a press briefing that customs officers stopped the singer after noticing his heavy gold jewellery.

Burna Boy briefly held by Moroccan customs over heavy jewellery

According to Motsepe, the situation required intervention at a senior level before it was resolved amicably.

Following the resolution, Burna Boy went on to headline the AFCON Fan Zone concert in Rabat on January 16, alongside Ghanaian artiste Stonebwoy and Moroccan performers Stormy and Jaylann.

However, the revelation sparked reactions on social media, particularly on X, where some users questioned why the singer was travelling with such expensive jewellery, while others defended him, arguing that displaying wealth is common among global music stars.

The comments generated mixed reactions, with some users making personal remarks and others dismissing the criticism as unnecessary, noting that Burna Boy ultimately faced no legal consequences and fulfilled his performance obligations at the AFCON event.

Social media reactions

@Maqabaqaba commented: “Why is he carrying so much jewellery in the first place? That boy has a feminine side on him, no wonder Puff Daddy did that.”

@esegbona_luis commented: “Are you alright”

@GeneralGimba commented: “E shock them.”

@mishi_stacks commented: “Them know wealth wey dey Nigeria!!!”