Mother of Abu Trica's close friend speaks after son's arrest at KIA

Hajara, the mother of Daniel Yusif, a close associate of Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica has spoken following her son’s arrest at the Kotoka International Airport on January 14, 2026.

Speaking in an interview with Crime Check, Hajara explained that her son lives in Accra, where he sells laptops and that he met Abu Trica in the capital, where they became friends.

She said Daniel later left Accra due to a health issue.

According to her, she later heard broadcaster Black Rasta making allegations connected to the case.

She said she informed her son about the claims but he denied having any involvement, stating that the alleged sums of money were far beyond anything he had ever handled.

“I advised him not to return at the time because there was a lot of tension and he had already travelled, however, he insisted on coming back to clear his name because people were talking about him too much. When he returned he was arrested at the airport,” she said.

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Hajara added that her son told authorities to check his bank statements, insisting that no such huge amounts of money had ever passed through his accounts. She also dismissed claims circulating online that Daniel was attempting to flee.

“People are twisting the story and saying he was running away and got arrested at the airport. That is not true. He returned to Ghana on his own,” she stressed.

Meanwhile, Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica who has been indicted by United States authorities and arrested by Ghanaian security agencies for his alleged role in defrauding elderly victims of more than eight million dollars is facing charges before the Gbese District Court. According to unsealed documents from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, Abu Trica is accused of being part of a criminal network that targeted senior citizens through online romance scams across the United States since 2023.

Prosecutors allege that the group used artificial intelligence software to assume false identities and build intimate online relationships with victims. They allegedly gained the trust of elderly individuals through social media and dating platforms before soliciting money and valuables under false pretences, including medical emergencies, travel expenses, and fake investment opportunities.

The indictment further claims that once funds were transferred, Abu Trica helped distribute the money from Ohio to conspirators in Ghana and other locations.

He is currently facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and a forfeiture specification. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

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