The Gbese District Court has approved the extradition of Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, to authorities in the United States following his indictment over an alleged involvement in an online romance scam valued at more than $8 million.

However, he and his lawyers have been given a 15-day period to contest the ruling.

Ghanaian socialite Abu Trica rearrested by NACOC

This implies that the extradition process will be suspended until the 15-day window for filing a habeas corpus application has passed.

The court also threw out allegations suggesting political motivation and entrapment.

Reacting to the ruling on Friday, March 27, 2026, a member of Abu Trica’s legal team, who identified herself as Rosemary, said the court had dismissed a number of preliminary objections submitted in the extradition proceedings.

“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 said.

She went on to clarify how extradition cases typically proceed, noting that the defence had taken steps to delay the process in the interest of their client.

“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 said.

Commenting on the most recent hearing, she outlined a particular application submitted by the defence and the court’s decision on it.

“We filed a preliminary objection requesting disclosure of the items seized, arguing that they do not belong to Frederick Kumi and are unrelated to the extradition 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 added.

Rosemary expressed guarded optimism, stating that the legal team remains hopeful of presenting a more compelling case in the next phase of proceedings.

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

Background

Abu Trica is facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to engage in money laundering. His legal team, led by Oliver Barker Vormawor, filed a preliminary objection challenging the legal foundation of the extradition process, arguing that the offences cited are not included in the 1931 extradition treaty between Ghana and the United States.

The defence maintained that wire fraud and money laundering are not specifically listed as extraditable offences under the treaty, adding that the conspiracy clause applies only to certain offences that are unrelated to the current matter.

They also argued that Ghana cannot depend on more recent domestic legislation to broaden the scope of the treaty, insisting that any extradition must strictly comply with the offences agreed upon by both countries.

Following the withdrawal of earlier charges by the state, 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.

Prosecutors later brought new charges against him, including money laundering and conspiracy to defraud by false pretence.

The case is ongoing to determine whether he should be extradited to the United States to face trial. He was first arrested on December 11, 2025, after being indicted by US authorities for his alleged involvement in a large-scale online romance scam estimated at over $8 million.

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

Based on unsealed records from the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, he is alleged to have been part of a criminal syndicate that targeted elderly individuals across Ohio and other parts of the United States beginning in 2023.

Prosecutors claim the group used artificial intelligence to create fake profiles and build online relationships with elderly victims through social media and dating platforms, later tricking them into sending money and valuables under false pretences.

The indictment also alleges that he assisted in facilitating the movement and distribution of funds from Ohio to accomplices in Ghana and other locations. He is facing charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to launder money, and a forfeiture specification.