A private legal practitioner Samuel Kissiedu has weighed in on the controversial video footage showing the arrest of Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, who was taken into custody by law enforcement authorities for an alleged $8 million romance fraud scheme.

In the video, Abu Trica was captured being interrogated about his line of work, to which he responded that his lawyer would address the question.

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However, the officers continued their questioning, which has sparked public criticisms.

Speaking on the matter in an interview on December 15, 2025, Kissiedu suggested that Abu Trica could potentially pursue legal action against the officers involved.

While criticising the handling of the arrest, particularly Abu Trica's treatment during the interrogation, the lawyer argued that the actions of the police officers appeared to breach several legal protocols, potentially paving the way for a possible legal case.

“Hardly will you see that the police will arrest you and immediately proceed to interrogate you… I believe they should have removed the handcuffs from him [Abu Trica] and as it stands, they subjected him to inhumane treatment,” he said.

Kissiedu added that from the video footage, it seemed that Abu Trica was being tortured, a claim he believes could form the basis for legal action.

He further emphasised the legal rights of a suspect under Ghanaian law, noting that once a person is arrested, they must be informed in a language they understand of the reason for their arrest and their right to a lawyer.

“To be honest, I think he could take legal action against the officers involved, as it appeared he was being tortured during the interrogation. The law says that once you arrest a person, the first thing is to inform them in a language they understand, a reason for their arrest and his rights to a lawyer of his choice. These are things you cannot take away from the suspect.

“They asked him what work he does and he replied that his lawyer will provide the answers. It is not the duty of the suspect to assist the police officer in doing their investigations,” the lawyer added.

The lawyer pointed out that the police should conduct their own investigations, gather evidence, and present it in court.

“If you claim the person has committed an offence, you must conduct your own investigations, gather evidence and take them to court but cannot force them to give answers hoping to help the investigation… when that happens, it appears as forcing the person [suspect] to incriminate himself,” he said.

He also expressed concern over how the police officers handled the recording and subsequent release of the video, concluding that their conduct was both wrong and unlawful, and urged Abu Trica to consider taking legal action.

'What Work Do You Do'?: Watch how Abu Trica fumbled on a simple question during his arrest

“I think the officer was out of order and his behavior was unlawful. Was recording him and putting out the video an attempt to disgrace him [Abu Trica]? Presumption of innocence is key in the Constitution Article 19 (2) (c).

“The person is presumed to be innocent until court proves finds him guilty or he pleads guilty, and arresting them based on allegation does not mean they are guilty. I think the conduct of the officers were wrong and unlawful and so he [Abu Trica] should take steps to take legal action against them,” he concluded.



MAG/AE

Watch how Abu Trica fumbled on a simple question during his arrest