The High Court in Accra has granted a request by the United States for the extradition of Fredrick Kumi, popularly known as “Abu Trica”, to face trial over his alleged involvement in an estimated US$8 million romance fraud scheme.
The ruling represents a significant milestone in the extradition proceedings initiated by US authorities, who are seeking to prosecute Kumi on multiple fraud-related charges.
The court’s decision comes after months of legal arguments over the extradition request, during which Kumi was granted bail in the sum of GH¢30 million with two justified sureties pending the determination of the case.
Reacting to the ruling, Kumi’s lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, disclosed in a Facebook post that he was outside Ghana on official duties when he learnt of the court’s decision.
“I am out of Ghana for work. I just heard that the case of Abu Trica has been fast tracked and a judge has just ordered his extradition. Hmmm. FBI 1 – Abu 1. I guess this issue goes to the Supreme Court,” he wrote.
US prosecutors allege that Kumi was part of a criminal network that used online romance scams to defraud victims of millions of dollars, allegations he is expected to answer before an American court if the extradition proceeds.
The latest order clears the legal path for his transfer to the United States, although the extradition could be delayed if the decision is challenged before a higher court.
The defence has signalled its intention to contest the ruling, with indications that the matter could be taken to the Supreme Court for further judicial review.
The case has attracted widespread public interest because of the value of the alleged fraud and the collaboration between Ghanaian and US law enforcement agencies in pursuing the extradition proceedings.
If an appeal is filed, the Supreme Court will be expected to determine whether the High Court properly exercised its jurisdiction before any extradition of Kumi to the United States can take place.
