Legal counsel for Frederick Kumi, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has disclosed that officials of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) attempted to re-arrest the accused persons, Abu Trica and two others, after their case was discharged.
He indicated that the attempt to re-arrest them inside the Gbese District Court offended the judge handling the case.
BREAKING: Court discharges Abu Trica, two others in alleged $8m romance scam case
“… NACOC just tried to rearrest them inside the court room. Judge offended,” he shared on Facebook on January 26, 2026.
Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether the accused persons have since been re-arrested outside the courtroom, as at the time of filing this report.
The trial was to enable the court determine whether Abu Trica and his co-accused should be extradited to the United States to face trial.
Abu Trica was arrested by Ghanaian security authorities on Thursday, December 11, 2025, following an indictment by US authorities over his alleged involvement in a large-scale online romance scam estimated at more than $8 million.
Unsealed documents from the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio allege that Abu Trica was part of a criminal network that targeted elderly victims across the United States from 2023.
Prosecutors claim the group used artificial intelligence software to create fake identities and build intimate online relationships with senior citizens through social media and dating platforms.
Investigators say the victims were later manipulated into sending money and valuables under false pretences, including claims of medical emergencies, travel expenses, and investment opportunities.
The indictment further alleges that Abu Trica helped distribute funds transferred from Ohio to conspirators in Ghana and other locations.
Abu Trica Trial: State files motion to discontinue case against 2nd and 3rd accused
He is facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification.
MAG/AE
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Source:
www.ghanaweb.com