An Accra-based lawyer, Robert Ishmael Aggrey Amissah, has criticised the Gbese District Court’s decision to deny bail to his client, Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, and other persons standing trial in an alleged romance scam case.
Speaking to journalists after the court sitting, Mr Amissah, who represents the second accused, questioned the criminalisation of online romantic interactions, arguing that such exchanges are common in modern relationships.
“There is nothing wrong with a man expressing romantic interest online and receiving gifts or money in return,” he said. “That is the nature of many romantic relationships today, especially those formed online.”
He maintained that if such conduct is considered criminal, then others should also be treated the same way. “If this is the issue, then all slay queens should also be arrested because they also take money from men, sometimes without offering anything in return,” he argued.
The lawyer further raised concerns about Ghana’s extradition laws, questioning the authority of the United States to seek the extradition of Ghanaian citizens.
“One day, they may even come for our president if we do not review these laws,” he cautioned. “We cannot continue to allow our citizens to be sent out of the country like this.”
Mr Amissah made the remarks following proceedings at the Gbese District Court, where the court adjourned its ruling in the ongoing extradition case involving Abu Trica.
During the hearing, the State disclosed that it had no evidence against two of the accused persons, Lord Eshun and Bernard Aidoo, although the court declined to formally discharge them.
The two were charged as alleged accessories under an extradition charge sheet filed on December 12, 2025. However, the prosecution informed the court that investigations had been concluded and there was no basis to proceed against them.
Derick Ackah Nyameke, representing the Attorney-General’s Department, explained that the two were arraigned under Section 6 of the Extradition Act, 1960 (Act 22), as part of committal proceedings pending the receipt of formal diplomatic extradition requests, adding that the State needed time to regularise the process.
Credit: Mynewsgh.com
