Abu Trica Arrest: NACOC outlines 12-hour operation tied to alleged fraud case

Alexander Twum-Barimah, the Deputy Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), has stated that the operation to arrest businessman and socialite Abu Trica lasted for 12 hours.

In an interview on Lawson TV on June 1, 2026, Twum-Barimah urged the public to disregard a viral one-minute video from the arrest, which showed Abu Trica saying he wanted his lawyer. He clarified that the socialite never made such a statement.

According to Alexander Twum-Barimah, there was a court order issued for Abu Trica’s arrest, and it took 12 hours to execute the operation, involving three teams who played different roles.

He further noted that narratives surrounding Abu Trica sometimes suggest he was targeted out of hatred, but Twum-Barimah stressed that the socialite was not arrested because he was hated by the government.

Abu Trica in Interpol custody since rearrest - Lawyer

“He never said, ‘I want my lawyer.’ When you are arrested, certain basic details are taken, such as the person’s name, because you must confirm that the person you are arresting is the right person.

“The operation lasted about 12 hours. Three teams were involved: two operating in Accra and one in the Central Region. So how are you using a 1 minute 20 seconds video to judge a 12-hour operation? It was a 12-hour operation, and that was the order of the court,” he said.

Frederick Kumi, better known on Snapchat as “Abu Trica,” was arrested in December 2025 after United States authorities indicted him for allegedly helping to run a romance scam network that stole more than $8 million from elderly American victims.

He was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture count related to the alleged proceeds, among others.

However, in April 2026, the General Jurisdiction 2 Division of the High Court in Accra granted Abu Trica bail in the sum of GH¢30 million, with two sureties to be justified.

Abu Trica was in police custody since his arrest in December 2025 until April 2026, following an extradition request from the United States over alleged romance fraud charges.

@lawsonmediagh Abu Trica's arrest - "Abu Trica was not hated by the government. His case was a joint security operation" - Lawyer Twum Barimah #lawsontv#fyp#ghanasesen #twumbarimah #abutrica ♬ original sound - Lawson TV & 96.3FM