Here's what Abu Trica's lawyer said during his first hearing before US judge

American reporter Larry Miller has shared fresh details after speaking with the lawyer representing Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, in his US federal criminal case.

In a video shared on social media on July 11, 2026, Miller disclosed that he spoke with Abu Trica’s attorney, Henry Hilow, a criminal defence lawyer, following the socialite’s first court appearance.

According to Miller, Hilow declined to make any official public statement on the case but said the defence team was looking forward to reviewing the evidence the prosecution is required to provide during the discovery process.

“I spoke with his attorney on Friday, July 10. The attorney said he had no official comment but was looking forward to reviewing the discovery in the case,” Miller said.

Controversy erupts over Abu Trica's 'real' age in the US

Court records have also revealed the next major stages in the case. A pretrial conference has been scheduled for August 25, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., while the jury trial is expected to begin on September 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

According to court records signed by Judge John Adams, the court will not accept any plea agreement after the pretrial conference on August 25, 2026.

This means that if the prosecution and defence intend to resolve the case through a plea agreement, they must reach an agreement before that date.

“Court records also list two key upcoming dates. A pretrial conference is scheduled for August 25, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. According to records signed by Judge Adams, the court will not accept a plea agreement after that pretrial conference. The jury trial is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.,” Miller noted.

Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi, has pleaded not guilty to two federal charges: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The Ghanaian socialite was extradited from Ghana to the United States after being accused of conspiring with Daniel Yussif and other individuals in an alleged online fraud scheme.

According to US court documents, prosecutors allege that the group used artificial intelligence tools to create fake identities and establish online relationships with victims before allegedly convincing them to send money under false pretences.

The documents further state that while both the prosecution and defence remain free to negotiate a plea agreement, any such agreement must be reached before the August 25 pretrial conference, as the court will not accept a plea deal after that stage.

“Abu Trica’s attorney told me he had no comment, but he’s looking forward to reviewing the discovery in the case.”

— Larry Miller shares a brief update after speaking with Abu Trica’s attorney, Henry Hilow, a criminal defence attorney representing him in his U.S. federal… pic.twitter.com/SCqit2jqoB

— 𝐀𝐒𝐊 (@askghmedia) July 12, 2026