Abu Trica remanded again, extradition hearing adjourned

Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has been remanded into police custody following his appearance before the Gbese District Court on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The court has adjourned his extradition hearing to March 18, 2026.

Ghanaian socialite Abu Trica rearrested by NACOC

Abu Trica was re-arrested by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) after he and his co-accused were discharged by the Gbese District Court on January 26, 2026, following the withdrawal of charges by the state.

Subsequently, prosecutors filed fresh charges of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud by false pretense against him.

The proceedings are aimed at determining whether he should be extradited to the United States to face trial.

Abu Trica was initially arrested on December 11, 2025, after an indictment by US authorities over his alleged role in a large-scale online romance scam estimated at over $8 million.

According to unsealed documents from the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, he is accused of being part of a criminal network that targeted elderly victims across the Ohio and other parts of the United States from 2023.

Prosecutors allege the group used artificial intelligence to create fake identities and cultivate online relationships with senior citizens through social media and dating platforms, later deceiving them into sending money and valuables under false pretenses.

Abu Trica in Interpol custody since rearrest - Lawyer

The indictment further claims he helped distribute funds transferred from Ohio to conspirators in Ghana and other locations.

He faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification.

MAG/AE

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