Abu Trica Arrest: Oliver Barker-Vormawor Ready To Fight Extradition if US Won’t Bring Ken Ofori-Atta
- Lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor is not pleased with the impending extradition of Swedru businessman Abu Trica to the US
- Abu Trica, arrested on December 11, faces serious charges related to an $8m romance fraud scheme targeting elderly victims
- Barker-Vormawor stated that he was ready to defend Trica until Ken Ofori-Atta is also extradited from the US to Ghana
Lawyer and anti-corruption campaigner Oliver Barker-Vormawor has reacted to the arrest of Swedru-based businessman Abu Trica, expressing his readiness to defend him.
According to an unsealed US Justice Department indictment, Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi but is also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, was arrested on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Ghana.
Source: Instagram
Abu Trica indicted by FBI in $8m scam
He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification, and faces up to 20 years in prison.
In a statement, the Justice Department alleged that the businessman, known for his lavish displays of wealth and ownership of an extravagant number of luxury cars, was part of a criminal network that had targeted elderly victims in the United States in romance fraud schemes. The syndicate had reportedly been operating since 2023 and defrauded its victims out of more than $8 million.
"According to the indictment, perpetrators of this romance scam used Artificial Intelligence software to assume false identities and form close personal relationships with victims. They gained victims’ trust to obtain money and valuables, often targeting individuals through social media and online dating platforms under false pretenses," the Justice Department statement said.
"Victims were often elderly and engaged in romantic but physically distant relationships with perpetrators."
Just like other Ghanaians recently indicted for similar offences like Kofi Boat, Abu Trica is expected to be extradited to the US for prosecution.
Source: TikTok
Barker-Vormawor wants to defend Abu Trica
Reacting to the development, Oliver Barker-Vormawor noted that he was willing to fight against the extradition of Abu Trica to the US.
For him, it would not be a fair deal between the US and Ghana if Abu Trica is extradited while former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is in the US and has not been extradited to face prosecution over the SML deal.
Taking to his Facebook page, Barker-Vomawor stated:
"This one paa dier I am ready to defend Abu Trica to fight the extradition. If they won’t bring Ken Ofori Atta; then Good lawyers must intervene for Abu. Draw - Draw!'
See Oliver Barker-Vomawor's post below:
Ghanaians support Oliver Barker-Vormawor's Abu Trica stance
Oliver Barker-Vormawor's followers have overwhelmingly backed his decision to defend Abu Trica. Below are some of the supportive messages YEN.com.gh sighted under the post.
Dordunu Moses said:
"I'm personally against any form of fraud, but I think I will support your call. We must do an exchange. Let's strike a deal to exchange Ken Ofori-Atta for Trica."
Kwame Sarpong Asiedu said:
"Please do. I will contribute legal fees. You know where to find me. It matters not if Abu has questions to answer. Ken has, too. A simple swap won’t hurt. "
Yamba Yahaya said:
"This was exactly what came to my mind when the news broke. Ken must be extradited first."
Prosper Kwame Sedufie Kpekpena said:
"If the FBI can come to Ghana to arrest a Ghanaian citizen, why then can't NIB go to the USA to bring Ken Ofori Atta for prosecution?"
Oliver Barker-Vormawor robbed in Accra
YEN.com.gh reported that Oliver Barker-Vormawor of Democracy Hub and Fix The Country had recently suffered a robbery incident
Barker-Vormawor announced the unfortunate incident in a social media post, stating that his MacBook, iPad, Google Pixel 9, GH¢ 9,500 cash, and other valuables had been taken.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
