Private legal practitioner, Lawyer Nana Yaw Osei, has described the actions of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) during the arrest of Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, as unlawful, arguing that the suspect’s fundamental rights were violated.

Speaking in an interview on Oyerepa Breakfast Time, Lawyer Osei stated that it was wrong for EOCO to question Abu Trica about his line of work while he was already handcuffed.

According to him, EOCO had no legal basis to storm Abu Trica’s premises, wielding guns and handcuffs, stressing that such actions were excessive and intimidating.

He further noted that the suspect was under no obligation to answer questions from the police at that stage.

“Abu Trica had every right to remain silent and allow his lawyer to respond to any questions EOCO needed answers to,” he explained.

Lawyer Osei also criticised the police for recording and circulating videos of Abu Trica’s arrest, describing the move as unlawful and prejudicial.

He argued that Abu Trica is merely a suspect and not a convicted criminal. Therefore, any public display of his image without proven evidence of wrongdoing amounts to reputational damage.

“The law protects every individual’s reputation. You cannot record someone and put their image out there when they have not been found guilty of any crime,” he stressed.

He added that publishing such videos before the conclusion of investigations or a court ruling unfairly tarnishes the suspect’s image in the eyes of the public.

Lawyer Nana Yaw Osei concluded by stating that should Abu Trica be cleared of the alleged crimes, he would have the legal right to sue EOCO and any related agencies for defamation and damage to his reputation.

He urged law enforcement agencies to respect the rights of suspects and adhere strictly to due process to avoid potential legal consequences.

ARREST

Abu Trica was arrested after United States authorities indicted him for his alleged role in defrauding elderly victims of over $8 million.

According to unsealed documents from the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, Abu Trica is accused of being part of a criminal network that targeted senior citizens through online romance scams across the United States since 2023.

He was, however, arrested by authorities in Ghana on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Prosecutors allege that Abu Trica and his co-conspirators used Artificial Intelligence software to assume false identities and cultivate intimate online relationships with victims.

They then gained the trust of elderly individuals through social media and dating platforms before soliciting money or valuables under false pretences, including urgent medical expenses, travel costs, and investment opportunities.

The indictment further claims that once funds were transferred, Abu Trica helped distribute the money from Ohio to co-conspirators in Ghana and other locations.

He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

Source: Oyerepafmonline.com