Embattled Swedru-based socialite, Frederick Kumi, otherwise known as, Abu Trica, has been granted bail by the Accra High Court.
The development was announced by the legal counsel for the accused, Lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor via his official Facebook page. Kumi, has been granted bail in the sum of ¢30m cedis with two sureties.
In March 25, the Gbese District Court dismissed a preliminary objection filed by lawyers for Abu Trica, clearing a major hurdle in the extradition proceedings initiated by the United States.
Kumi’s legal team, led by Oliver Barker-Vormawor, challenged the legal foundation of the extradition.
His lawyers argued that the offences cited by the U.S. are not covered under the 1931 extradition treaty between Ghana and the United States.
They contended that neither wire fraud nor money laundering is explicitly listed as an extraditable offence within the treaty’s text.
The lawyers maintained that Ghana cannot retroactively use modern domestic laws to expand the treaty’s reach.
The team further argued that the treaty’s specific provisions on conspiracy do not apply to the charges currently being levelled against Kumi.
Despite these arguments, the court dismissed the objection.
In March 27, Gbese District court dismissed key arguments raised by the defence in the high-profile extradition case involving Abu Trica, ruling that claims of political persecution and entrapment are unfounded.
In a decision that marked a significant turning point, the court held that there was no evidence to support assertions that the prosecution was driven by political motives or that the accused had been lured into committing offences through entrapment.
The ruling effectively removed major legal obstacles that had been put forward to block the extradition request.
With those arguments set aside, the court stated that the extradition process could proceed, subject to any further legal challenges.
His lawyer explained that “the judge said we had not proven any political connection to the offence and that Abu needs to be extradited.”
However, the court granted Abu Trica a 15-day window to contest the decision, giving his legal team the opportunity to file an appeal or seek a review.
The lawyer insisted that the ruling is an error on the face of the record” adding that they might “go to a higher courts and challenge it.”
The case had drawn widespread public attention due to its alleged links to international fraud activities. Authorities in the requesting country are seeking extradition to prosecute offences reportedly involving online scams targeting victims abroad.
Abu Trica had consistently denied wrongdoing, and his lawyers were expected to review the ruling and determine their next course of action within the stipulated timeframe.
The outcome of any appeal was expected to make decisive position in determining whether he will ultimately be extradited to face trial overseas.
The case originates from an indictment by U.S. authorities, accusing Abu Trica of involvement in a large-scale online romance scam estimated at over $8 million. He was initially arrested on December 11, 2025, following the indictment.
The current proceedings before the Gbese District Court focused on assessing the legal basis for his possible extradition to the United States.
