The Senegalese-American musician’s failure to appear for a court date led to his driver’s license being suspended, which generated the warrant.

‘Locked Up’ singer Akon arrested in Atlanta on outstanding warrant

The Senegalese-American musician's failure to appear for a court date led to his driver's license being suspended, which generated the warrant.

By Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman is a news writer for with previous work in MUBI Notebook, Slant, and the LA Review of Books.

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November 12, 2025 8:08 p.m. ET

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It "Don't Matter" if it makes him "Lonely," Akon has got to stop driving "Right Now."

The Senegalese-American musician born Aliaune Badara Akon Thiam was arrested on Friday in the Atlanta suburb of Chamblee, according to DeKalb County Jail inmate records. A police report obtained by * *states that authorities responded to a Flock camera alert of a white Tesla Cybertruck, which was the subject of an active warrant. Officer Joshua Rosa approached Akon to confirm his identity. The musician "remained calm" and noted that he was aware of the warrant.

Akon was handcuffed and taken to the DeKalb County Jail, where he was transferred to the custody of the Roswell Police Department, which issued the original warrant. Jail records confirm that Akon was released hours after he was booked.

Akon at the 2024 BET Awards in Los Angeles.

Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty

Representatives for Akon didn't immediately respond to **'s request for comment.

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Roswell P.D. initially issued the warrant for Akon's arrest following a September incident in which officers responded to a driver stranded in a white Cybertruck on Alpharetta, Ga.'s Holcomb Bridge Road. Per the Associated Press, Akon was found to be driving with no auto insurance and on a license that had been suspended following his failure to appear for a January 2023 court date. Police impounded the car and cited the musician.

The warrant which led to Friday's arrest was generated when Akon failed to appear in court for the suspended license ticket.********

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Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional charges may be filed against Akon, or when he is due back in court.* *

The musician is currently touring India, where on Sunday he performed at a concert in Delhi.

Tomeka Thiam, Akon's wife of nearly 30 years, filed for divorce from the "Smack That" singer the same month he was ticked by Roswell police.

The mother of their 17-year-old daughter Journey cited irreconcilable differences as the primary reason for the split. She also requested physical custody of Journey, with Akon allowed visitation privileges, and requested spousal support.**

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