Gbese Court to rule on Abu Trica’s extradition to US on March 25

The case involving Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, popularly known as “Abu Trica,” is set for ruling on March 25, 2026, at the Gbese District Court, where a decision will be taken on his possible extradition to the United States to face criminal charges stemming from an alleged fraud scheme.

He is facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Ghanaian socialite Abu Trica rearrested by NACOC

His defence team, led by Oliver Barker Vormawor, has filed a preliminary objection challenging the legal basis of the extradition proceedings, arguing that the offences cited are not covered under the 1931 extradition treaty between Ghana and the United States.

Counsel contended that wire fraud and money laundering are not explicitly listed as extraditable offences under the treaty, adding that the provision on conspiracy applies only to specific offences which do not relate to the present case.

The defence further argued that Ghana cannot rely on more recent domestic laws to expand the scope of the treaty, insisting that any extradition must strictly adhere to the offences agreed upon by both countries.

Background

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 earlier charges by the state.

Prosecutors subsequently filed fresh charges of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud by false pretence against him.

The ongoing proceedings are to determine whether he should be extradited to the United States to stand trial.

He was initially arrested on December 11, 2025, after being indicted 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 Ohio and other parts of the United States from 2023.

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

Abu Trica remanded again, extradition hearing adjourned

The indictment further claims he facilitated the transfer and distribution of funds from Ohio to accomplices in Ghana and other locations, and he faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification.

MAG/VPO

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