Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, was re-arrested on Monday, January 26, shortly after the High Court struck out his application for certiorari challenging proceedings at the Gbese District Court.
The court ruled that the application was moot following the state’s withdrawal of charges against Abu Trica and two others, which led to their discharge. Abu Trica is wanted by the United States over alleged romance fraud, with an extradition request submitted to Ghanaian authorities.
Despite the discharge, his lawyers returned to court to challenge aspects of the District Court’s proceedings, but the Attorney-General’s Department argued that the case could no longer stand. The court agreed, ruling that there was no live issue before it.
Counsel for Abu Trica, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, told the court that his client remained in detention despite the withdrawal of charges. Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai assured the court that steps would be taken to secure his release if that was the case.
However, shortly after the ruling, Abu Trica was re-arrested by state authorities. His lawyers later confirmed that he and his two alleged accomplices had been discharged but disclosed that they had been taken to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) headquarters for reasons yet to be officially communicated.
