Abu Trica's US Extradition Case Adjourned, Socialite Departs Court in Emotional State
An emotional scene ensued as the Gbese High Court adjourned embattled socialite Abu Trica's extradition case verdict hearing after proceedings on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Source: Instagram
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Abu Trica arrived at the court for the verdict that would determine whether he would be released from police custody or extradited to the US to face prosecution for the charges against him.
The socialite, whose real name is Frederick Kumi, alias Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, has been in police custody since December 11, 2025, after he was arrested in a joint operation between the FBI and Ghanaian security agencies.
According to an unsealed US Justice Department indictment, he is facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification.
Abu Trica is facing up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted in the US for his alleged crimes.
Why was Abu Trica arrested?
In a press statement released after his arrest, the Justice Department alleged that Abu Trica was a member of a criminal syndicate that targeted elderly victims in the US in romance scam schemes.
The syndicate had reportedly been operating since 2023 and had defrauded its unsuspecting victims out of more than $8 million.
Abu Trica and his alleged accomplices reportedly used artificial intelligence (AI) software to assume false identities and form close personal relationships with their victims.
The group allegedly gained their victims’ trust to obtain money and valuables, often targeting individuals through social media and online dating platforms under false pretences.
It added that, after gaining the victims' trust, they requested money for urgent needs, including medical treatment, travel expenses, or investment opportunities.
Abu Trica was allegedly part of the individuals who distributed the alleged criminal proceeds once gained from the US to Ghana and other countries.
The FBI Cleveland Division reportedly conducted the investigation into the crime syndicate with support from the Attorney General’s Office, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
Abu Trica's girlfriend and baby mama, Abena Oforiwaa, popularly known as Queenie, was also reportedly apprehended by security agencies to assist with investigations.
She was eventually released from custody following the intervention of Ghanaian lawyer and activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor and his firm.
Abu Trica leaves court emotional after adjournment
Following his appearance at the Gbese High Court, Abu Trica's extradition case was adjourned to Friday, March 27, 2026.
In a video, the handcuffed socialite appeared to be emotional and disappointed with the judge's decision as he left the court premises in the custody of police officers.
Abu Trica bowed his head down to hide his face and emotions as he entered the awaiting police vehicle at the Gbese Court premises before being whisked away.
The Instagram video is below:
Source: YEN.com.gh
