By Issah Olegor
Socialite Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has broken his silence on several aspects of the high-profile extradition case that has dominated public discourse since his arrest in December 2025.
In a series of media interviews following his release on bail, the embattled businessman addressed allegations surrounding the reported $8 million romance fraud case, the seizure of his luxury vehicles by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), and the tragic death of his elder sister during his period of detention.
Abu Trica was arrested on December 11, 2025, in a joint operation involving Ghanaian security agencies and United States law enforcement authorities. The arrest followed an indictment by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, which alleged that he was part of a criminal network involved in romance scams that targeted elderly Americans and reportedly defrauded victims of more than $8 million.
According to U.S. prosecutors, the alleged syndicate used sophisticated online tactics, including artificial intelligence-generated identities, to establish emotional relationships with victims through social media platforms and online dating sites.
Investigators claimed victims were later persuaded to send money under false pretences, including fabricated medical emergencies, travel expenses and investment opportunities.
Authorities further alleged that Abu Trica played a role in receiving and distributing proceeds from the scheme to associates in Ghana and other countries.
After months in detention and several unsuccessful attempts to secure bail, the Accra High Court eventually granted Abu Trica bail in the sum of GH¢30 million with two justified sureties on April 21, 2026.
He was subsequently released on May 15 after fulfilling the conditions imposed by the court.
Since regaining his freedom, Abu Trica has embarked on a public campaign to defend his reputation and challenge what he describes as misleading narratives surrounding the case.
Speaking in an interview on Onua TV, the businessman dismissed widespread claims that he was involved in an $8 million fraud scheme.
According to him, the amount at the centre of the case was significantly lower than what had been reported publicly. He claimed investigators themselves acknowledged that the amount directly linked to him was only $13,000.
“There is no $8 million case against me. They themselves admitted they gave me $13,000,” Abu Trica asserted during the interview.
He further alleged that he was subjected to intimidation during his detention. Recounting events following his arrest, he claimed he was taken to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) cells and later interrogated by five individuals, consisting of three white men and two black men, in what he described as a dark conference room.
According to Abu Trica, investigators attempted to compel him to identify the owner of a bank account they believed was linked to the case.
He claimed he refused because the account did not belong to him.
“The informant told me to provide an account for them because they knew it was not mine. They wanted me to mention the owner of the account, but I refused,” he said.
The businessman further alleged that after refusing to cooperate, he was threatened with more serious allegations involving millions of dollars.
“I thought it was a joke. How can a foreigner treat me like that in my own country and threaten me?” he questioned.
Meanwhile, Abu Trica has also addressed growing public speculation regarding the disappearance of several luxury vehicles from his Swedru residence following his release from custody.
A video of his mansion circulating on social media had sparked rumours after viewers noticed that many of the expensive vehicles previously associated with the socialite were no longer parked on the property.
While some speculated that the cars had been sold to finance his legal defence, others suggested they may have been seized by investigators.
Speaking on the issue, Abu Trica confirmed that several of his luxury vehicles were taken by authorities during the operation that led to his arrest.
According to him, the vehicles currently in the custody of EOCO include a Lamborghini Urus, a Tesla Cybertruck and a BMW i8.
The revelation has renewed public debate about the extent of assets seized during investigations and whether the vehicles are connected to the allegations being pursued by U.S. authorities.
Beyond the legal battle, Abu Trica also opened up emotionally about a personal tragedy that occurred while he was in detention.
His elder sister, Abigail, popularly known as Empress Forba, passed away on April 20, 2026, while he remained in custody awaiting developments in the extradition proceedings.
At the time of her death, little information was publicly available about the circumstances surrounding her passing. Reports indicated she died at the Winneba Trauma Hospital after a short illness.
However, speaking publicly for the first time about the loss, Abu Trica suggested that the stress and emotional toll created by his legal troubles contributed to her death.
“My case led to the death of my sister,” he said during the interview.
He also disclosed that his mother’s health had deteriorated significantly following the loss of her daughter and the ongoing challenges facing the family.
Despite his release on bail, Abu Trica’s legal troubles remain far from over. His lawyers continue to challenge attempts by U.S. authorities to extradite him, arguing that the offences cited in the extradition request do not fall within the scope of the 1931 extradition treaty between Ghana and the United States.
