High Court Approves Extradition of Abu Trica to United States Over Alleged Romance Fraud
Lawyer says the defence is considering an appeal to the Supreme Court.
- High Court approved Abu Trica's extradition.
- He is wanted in the U.S. over an alleged US$8 million fraud.
- Defence is considering an appeal to the Supreme Court.
The High Court in Accra has ordered the extradition of Fredrick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, to the United States, where he is wanted to face trial over his alleged involvement in an US$8 million romance fraud scheme.
The ruling follows months of legal proceedings after U.S. authorities requested his extradition. The decision was disclosed by his lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, in a Facebook post on Thursday, July 2, stating that he learned of the judgment while outside Ghana on official duties.
Mr. Kumi had previously been granted GH¢30 million bail with two justified sureties while the court considered the extradition request. U.S. prosecutors allege that he was part of a romance scam network that defrauded victims of millions of dollars.
The High Court’s decision clears the way for his transfer to the United States unless the ruling is overturned on appeal. Mr. Barker-Vormawor indicated that the defence is considering taking the matter to the Supreme Court, a move that could temporarily suspend the extradition process.
The case has attracted significant public attention because of the scale of the alleged fraud and the cooperation between Ghanaian and U.S. authorities. Any appeal would require the Supreme Court to determine whether the High Court acted properly in granting the extradition order.
