A video has surfaced of Swedru-based businessman, Frederick Kumi, widely known as Abu Trica, making a second appearance at the Gbese District Court in his extradition proceedings.
In the viral video, Abu Trica was spotted in a black T-shirt and a pair of jeans in handcuffs being escorted to the court by a team of security officers.
The security officers were heard in the video shouting at some people who had gathered at the courthouse. They were ordered to go back by the security team as they made their way to the court.
In a video posted by SIKAOFFICIAL, he wrote, “Internet personality, Abu Trica, appears before the Gbese District Court as his extradition proceedings resume, following a two-week adjournment.”
Background
Abu Trica, a 31-year-old Ghanaian from Swedru, was arrested for his alleged involvement in an $8 million romance scam which targeted elderly victims in the United States.
He was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, following an investigation conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio.
The US Department of Justice wrote, “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 pretences.
Victims were often elderly and engaged in romantic but physically distant relationships with perpetrators. The perpetrators built trust through frequent, intimate conversations by phone, email, and messaging platforms. They then requested money or valuables under false pretenses, such as urgent medical needs, travel expenses, or investment opportunities. Relying on these misrepresentations, victims were persuaded to send funds or valuables, which were then directed to co-conspirators posing as third parties.
The indictment also alleges that after the victims transferred funds, Kumi worked with a network of co-conspirators to distribute the money from Ohio and across the United States to associates in the Republic of Ghana and other locations.
Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification, and faces up to 20 years in prison”.
It further added, “If convicted, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including a defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offence, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt”.
Watch the video below:
Internet personality, Abu Trica appears before the Gbese District Court as his extradition proceedings resume, following a two-week adjournment. pic.twitter.com/nw12xJyO5d
— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) January 13, 2026