Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale has publicly called for the release of entrepreneur Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, who is currently facing extradition to the United States over alleged fraud-related offences.

The musician made the appeal during his performance at the Gomoa Street Carnival on April 5, 2026, where he led sections of the crowd in chants demanding Abu Trica’s freedom.

Colonial extradition law doesn’t apply in Abu Trica case – Baker-Vormawor

“Free Abu! Free Abu! Free Abu! Nobody does fraud here. Would they say someone is a fraudster if they had given us jobs? We all want money,” he told the audience.

Meanwhile, the Gbese District Court has granted a request to surrender Frederick Kumi to United States authorities. The decision follows his indictment over an alleged role in a large-scale online romance scam estimated at more than $8 million.

However, the court has given Abu Trica and his legal team a 15-day window to challenge the ruling. The extradition process will be put on hold within this period to allow for the possible filing of a habeas corpus application.

The court also dismissed claims by the defence suggesting political motivation and entrapment.

Speaking after the court proceedings on March 27, 2026, a member of the defence team, identified as Rosemary, said several preliminary objections raised by the legal team had been dismissed.

“We filed various preliminary legal objections regarding his extradition, but the court has dismissed them. It’s part of the process,” she explained.

She added that although extradition proceedings are typically swift, the defence has managed to slow the process slightly in the interest of their client.

“Extradition processes are usually very fast, but we’ve managed to delay it slightly to protect his interests. Still, the court continues to dismiss our applications,” she said.

Rosemary further disclosed that the defence had sought disclosure of items seized during investigations, arguing that they do not belong to Frederick Kumi and are unrelated to the alleged offences. The court, however, ruled against the application.

Despite the setbacks, she expressed cautious optimism about the next legal steps.

“We believe that when we file the habeas corpus, we will be able to present our arguments fully and explain why Frederick cannot be extradited. Our hopes are cautious, but we remain optimistic,” she noted.

Abu Trica is facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

His defence team, led by Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has challenged the legal basis of the extradition, arguing that the alleged offences are not covered under the 1931 extradition treaty between Ghana and the United States.

According to the defence, wire fraud and money laundering are not explicitly listed as extraditable offences under the treaty, and Ghana cannot rely on more recent domestic laws to expand its scope.


Frederick Kumi was re-arrested by the Narcotics Control Commission after he and his co-accused were earlier discharged by the Gbese District Court on January 26, 2026, following the withdrawal of initial charges by the state.

Prosecutors later filed fresh charges, including money laundering and conspiracy to defraud by false pretence.

According to unsealed documents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, Abu Trica is alleged to have been part of a criminal network that targeted elderly victims across Ohio and other parts of the United States from 2023.

Investigators claim the group used artificial intelligence to create fake identities and establish online relationships with victims through social media and dating platforms, eventually convincing them to send money and valuables under false pretences.

Authorities further allege that he played a role in facilitating the transfer and distribution of funds to accomplices in Ghana and other locations.

He is facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification, as legal proceedings continue.

“Free Abu! Free Abu! Free Abu! Nobody does fràud here. Would they say someone is a fraudster if they had given us jobs? We all want money.” - Shatta Wale leads the call for the release of Abu Trica pic.twitter.com/xVCqF5ydNi

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) April 6, 2026