Akon claims rapper T.I. was 'set up'

Akon has insisted that jailed rapper T.I. was "set up" when he took part in a dangerous weapons deal.

The 27-year-old, whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr, is in custody for allegedly sending his bodyguard to buy three machine guns and two silencers from a police officer who was disguised as an arms dealer.

R'n'B singer Akon has stuck up for T.I., but claims he should have been more careful.

He told MTV: "It's obvious he was set up. But sometimes when you're in a position of that stature and you're that big ... you just don't allow that energy around you. You have to have people around you to let you know or avoid that energy.

"Even if he was a (gun) collector, naturally, you get a license to collect.

"That's just common sense. ... At that stage where he's at, he don't need to protect himself. You hire legitimate law enforcement, or you hire people who are licensed to carry (guns). Surround them around you and you'll be safe".