Ivory Coast: singer Debordo Leekunfa remanded in custody at MACA
The famous Ivorian singer Debordo Leekunfa was incarcerated at the Maison d’Arrêt et de Correction d’Abidjan (MACA) on Thursday, November 13, 2025. He is being prosecuted for breach of contract and defamation, following complaints filed by promoter Nama Bouaké and singer Kerozène.
Debordo Leekunfa, artiste chanteur Ivoirien
The sky darkens for Ivorian artist Debordo Leekunfa. Known for his antics and often explosive statements, the singer was placed under a detention order at the MACA on the evening of Thursday, November 13, 2025, after being brought before the prosecutor’s office in the morning.
According to reports, two main cases are at the root of his legal troubles. The first concerns a breach of contract with promoter Nama Bouaké, who had signed him for a concert scheduled at the Casino de Paris on July 4, 2025. The organizer claims that Debordo did not honor his commitment despite amounts already paid. Claiming to have suffered financial and moral harm, Nama Bouaké filed a complaint with the PLCC (Plateforme de Lutte Contre la Cybercriminalité).
A series of defamation complaints
At the same time, Debordo Leekunfa is also facing defamation accusations, coming not only from Nama Bouaké but also from his colleague and former friend, singer Kerozène. The latter accuses Debordo of making statements considered defamatory against him, notably regarding allegations of illegally possessed firearms. These statements, made during television appearances and on social media, led Kerozène to take legal action.
The artist had already been detained on November 6, 2025 at Abidjan airport upon his return from a trip to Europe, before being released the next day. This time, his television appearance last Wednesday appears to have accelerated the legal procedure.
Placed under a detention order, Debordo Leekunfa is now awaiting the next steps of the proceedings from his cell at the MACA.