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'Mahama free Abu' – Watch as Abu Trica's girlfriend, supporters call for his release

Sade.png The group is seen passionately calling on President John Mahama to intervene

Sun, 5 Apr 2026 Source: www.ghanaweb.com

The girlfriend of Ghanaian social media personality, Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, together with several friends and sympathizers, has organised a solidarity walk to appeal to authorities for his release from police custody.

In a viral video circulating online, the group is seen passionately calling on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene.

Holding placards, the demonstrators repeatedly chanted, “Mahama, please free Abu,” as they marched in support of the businessman and entrepreneur.

Meanwhile, the Gbese District Court has granted a request to surrender Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, to United States authorities. This follows his indictment over an alleged role in a large-scale online romance scam estimated at over $8 million.

Court clears way for Abu Trica's extradition to US

However, Abu Trica and his legal team have been given 15 days to challenge the ruling.

This means the extradition process will not proceed until the expiration of the 15-day period, during which a habeas corpus application may be filed.

The court also dismissed claims suggesting political motivation and entrapment in the case.

Speaking after the court’s ruling on Friday, March 27, 2026, a member of Abu Trica’s legal team, who identified herself as Rosemary, explained that several preliminary objections filed by the defence had been dismissed.

“I’m a lawyer in the case of the Republic v. Frederick Kumi. We filed various preliminary legal objections regarding his extradition, but the court has dismissed them. It’s actually part of the process,” she stated.

She further noted that while extradition proceedings are typically fast-paced, the defence has managed to delay the process slightly to protect their client’s interests.

“Extradition processes are usually very fast, but we’ve managed to delay it slightly to protect his interests. Still, the court continues to dismiss our applications,” she added.

Touching on the latest court proceedings, Rosemary revealed that the defence had filed an application requesting disclosure of items seized, arguing that they do not belong to Frederick Kumi and are unrelated to the alleged offence.

“The court, however, ruled against us. The case was adjourned for 15 days, during which we are expected to file a habeas corpus application,” she explained.

Despite the setbacks, she expressed cautious optimism.

“We believe that when we file the habeas corpus, we will be able to present our arguments fully and explain why Frederick cannot be extradited. Our hopes are cautious, but we remain optimistic,” she concluded.

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

His defence team, led by Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has challenged the legal basis of the extradition proceedings. They argue that the alleged offences are not covered under the 1931 extradition treaty between Ghana and the United States.

According to the defence, wire fraud and money laundering are not explicitly listed as extraditable offences under the treaty. They further contend that Ghana cannot rely on more recent domestic laws to expand the treaty’s scope.

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

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

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

Prosecutors allege that the group used artificial intelligence to create fake identities and establish online relationships with senior citizens through social media and dating platforms. Victims were then deceived into sending money and valuables under false pretences.

The indictment further claims that he facilitated the transfer and distribution of funds from Ohio to accomplices in Ghana and other locations.

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



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Source: www.ghanaweb.com