Abu Trica’s Partner Released from Custody as Lawyer Threatens Legal Action Against NACOC
Legal team says woman was unlawfully detained following high-profile cyber-fraud case
- Private lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor secures release of Abu Trica’s partner, also mother of his child
- Lawyer announces intention to sue NACOC for unlawful arrest and alleged abuse
- Abu Trica faces extradition to the U.S. over an $8 million international romance scam
Private legal practitioner and activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has confirmed that his law firm has secured the release of the partner of embattled romance-scam suspect Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica. The woman, also identified as the mother of Kumi’s child, was reportedly detained unlawfully.
In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Barker-Vormawor stated that his firm intends to take legal action against the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for her arrest.
“Yesterday, our law firm secured the release of Abu Trica’s partner/mother of his son from custody. We intend to sue the Narcotics Control Commission for her unlawful arrest and abuse,” he wrote.
The case has drawn widespread public attention following the arrest of Abu Trica, who Ghanaian authorities have described as one of the country’s most notorious cyber-fraud suspects.
Background to the Case
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) confirmed the arrest of Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, for his alleged involvement in a large-scale international romance scam. The scheme reportedly defrauded elderly victims in the United States of more than $8 million.
EOCO stated that the arrest, carried out on Thursday, December 11, 2025, followed months of investigations in collaboration with multiple local and international law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, INTERPOL, National Investigations Bureau (NIB), NACOC, Cyber Security Authority (CSA), and the Office of the Attorney General.
Authorities allege that the criminal syndicate used sophisticated Artificial Intelligence software to create fake identities, develop romantic relationships with victims, and manipulate them into transferring money and valuables under false pretences.
Possible Extradition
EOCO indicated that Abu Trica is expected to be extradited to the United States, where he could face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money-laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification. If convicted, he may face up to 20 years in prison.
The anti-graft agency described the arrest as a significant milestone in the fight against transnational cybercrime and commended its local and international partner institutions for their cooperation.
As of now, NACOC and EOCO have not publicly responded to Barker-Vormawor’s claims regarding the alleged unlawful detention and abuse of Abu Trica’s partner.
