Frederick Kumi, widely known as Abu Trica, was re-arrested on Monday, January 26, 2026, moments after the High Court dismissed his application for certiorari challenging proceedings at the Gbese District Court.
The court ruled that the application had become moot after the state earlier withdrew all charges against Abu Trica and two other accused persons, leading to their discharge.
Abu Trica is accused of romance fraud, with the United States of America having submitted an extradition request to Ghanaian authorities. His legal team has repeatedly stated that he is willing to cooperate fully with all lawful processes.
Despite the discharge, Abu Trica returned to the High Court seeking to quash certain aspects of the District Court proceedings, arguing that unresolved issues still arose from the case. The Attorney-General’s Department opposed the move, maintaining that the application could not stand since the prosecution had been discontinued.
Counsel for Abu Trica, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, told the court that his client remained in custody despite the withdrawal of charges, describing the situation as a clear disconnect between the law and its practical enforcement.
Responding to the concern, Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai assured the court that if Abu Trica was still being detained after his discharge, immediate steps would be taken to ensure his release. The court subsequently struck out the application, holding that there was no live issue before it.
However, shortly after the High Court proceedings, Abu Trica was re-arrested by state authorities, reopening legal uncertainty surrounding the matter.
Speaking to journalists later, legal counsel for Abu Trica and his two alleged accomplices confirmed that all three had been formally discharged following the state’s withdrawal of the charges.
“That’s what we prayed for from day one, and if the Attorney-General has seen light in that and done the thing, we welcome the decision of the court,” counsel said.
He disclosed that the three had since been taken to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) headquarters. Although no official reason had been given, counsel suggested the move might be for administrative reasons.
“I’m yet to know why they are there, but I believe it’s for administrative purposes. Whatever transpires there, I’ll let you know,” he added.
