Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, was re-arrested on Monday shortly after the High Court struck out his certiorari application challenging proceedings at the Gbese District Court.
Abu Trica is facing allegations of romance fraud, for which the United States has formally requested his extradition to face trial. The extradition process has been a subject of ongoing legal proceedings in Ghana.
Initially, extradition-related cases against Abu Trica and two other co-accused were heard at the Gbese District Court. The State later discontinued charges against the two co-accused, leaving Abu Trica as the sole defendant.
Following the discontinuation, lawyers representing Abu Trica argued that the original charge of conspiracy had effectively collapsed, as the withdrawal of the case against the other accused persons nullified the foundation of the charge. The District Court agreed and discharged all three individuals.
Despite the discharge, Abu Trica approached the High Court seeking certiorari to challenge certain aspects of the District Court’s proceedings. During the hearing, the Attorney-General’s office argued that the application had become moot because the prosecution had been discontinued and the applicant discharged.
Counsel for Abu Trica, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, countered that his client remained in detention despite the discontinuation, describing the situation as creating a disconnect between the law on paper and its practical implementation.
The Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, assured the court that measures would be taken to ensure Abu Trica’s immediate release if he was still in custody following the discontinuation of the case.
The High Court subsequently struck out the certiorari application, noting that the matter had become moot once Abu Trica had been formally discharged.
Shortly after the conclusion of the proceedings, state authorities reportedly re-arrested Abu Trica, raising questions about the next steps in the ongoing extradition and legal process.
