Lawyer Oliver Barker Vormawor has alleged that his client, Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, was set up by an FBI informant in a case that has now escalated into an extradition battle, insisting the matter revolves around $13,000 and not the widely reported $8 million.
According to the defence, the case began when an informant approached Abu Trica claiming he was expecting a transfer of $50,000 and needed help finding a bank account to receive the funds. Abu Trica was allegedly promised $13,000 as his share if he could secure an account.
Believing the offer to be legitimate, Abu Trica is said to have contacted several people before obtaining an account, which he passed on to individuals later identified as undercover FBI agents. He was subsequently paid the agreed $13,000.
Barker Vormawor maintains that this transaction forms the entirety of the evidence presented by US authorities. He further claims that after Abu Trica’s arrest, investigators pressed him to disclose the owner of the bank account, but he declined.
The lawyer also criticised a pretrial statement issued by Economic and Organised Crime Office, which alleged that Abu Trica had been involved in an $8 million scam. He insists there is no evidence supporting that figure, arguing that the case is strictly about the $13,000 payment.
Abu Trica has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, but the defence argues that the charge does not meet the legal threshold for extradition under the relevant treaty. Barker Vormawor said his team submitted extensive legal arguments tracing the history of the agreement to support this position.
The case is currently on appeal, limiting what the defence can publicly disclose. However, Barker Vormawor raised concerns about the handling of the proceedings, alleging that due process was not fully observed.
He also pointed to what he described as a broader pattern in Ghana’s extradition record, claiming that all previous requests received by the courts have been granted. He argued that Abu Trica’s case could test whether the judiciary is willing to strictly apply the law in such matters.
The outcome of the appeal is expected to determine whether Abu Trica will be extradited to face trial in the United States.
Metrotvonline
