The Gbese District Court has discharged Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, along with two other accused persons who were standing trial over an alleged $8 million online romance scam targeting elderly Americans.

The development was confirmed by Oliver Barker-Vormawor, legal counsel for Abu Trica and the two others.

In a Facebook post on Monday, January 26, 2026, Barker-Vormawor revealed that shortly after the court discharged his clients, officers of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) attempted to re-arrest them inside the courtroom. He said the presiding judge expressed strong displeasure over the move.

“Just finished at the Gbese District Court. Abu Trica and two others have been discharged. NACOC just tried to rearrest them inside the courtroom. Judge offended,” Barker-Vormawor wrote.

The case was part of proceedings to determine whether Abu Trica and his co-accused should be extradited to the United States to face trial.

Abu Trica was arrested by Ghanaian security agencies on Thursday, December 11, 2025, following an indictment by United States authorities over his alleged role in a large-scale romance fraud scheme estimated at over $8 million.

According to unsealed documents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, Abu Trica was allegedly part of an international criminal network that targeted elderly victims across the United States from 2023.

Prosecutors claim the group used artificial intelligence tools to create fake online identities and form intimate relationships with senior citizens through social media and dating platforms. Victims were allegedly deceived into sending money and valuables under false pretences, including medical emergencies, travel costs, and investment opportunities.

Investigators further allege that Abu Trica assisted in distributing funds transferred from Ohio to accomplices in Ghana and other locations.

He is facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification.