Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, was re-arrested on Monday, January 26, shortly after the High Court dismissed his certiorari application challenging proceedings at the Gbese District Court.
Abu Trica faces allegations of romance fraud, prompting an extradition request from the United States to Ghanaian authorities. Extradition proceedings were initially ongoing against him and two other accused persons at the Gbese District Court, but the State later discontinued the case against his co-accused.
Lawyers for Abu Trica argued that, as the charge was for conspiracy, the withdrawal of the case against the other accused effectively nullified the charge against him. The District Court agreed and discharged all three accused persons.
Despite the discharge, Abu Trica filed a certiorari application at the High Court, seeking to quash certain aspects of the District Court proceedings. The Attorney-General’s office argued that the application was moot, noting the earlier discontinuation of the prosecution and the discharge of Abu Trica.
Counsel for Abu Trica, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, contended that his client remained in detention despite the case being discontinued, highlighting a gap between the law and its practical implementation. The Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, assured the court that any continued detention would be addressed immediately.
The High Court ultimately struck out the certiorari application, ruling that the matter had become moot following Abu Trica’s discharge.
Shortly after the High Court ruling, Abu Trica was re-arrested by state authorities, raising questions about the next steps in the ongoing extradition process.
