Officials from the Narcotics Control Commission have rearrested Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, who is a suspect in a wire fraud and romance scam case in the U.S., following his discharge by the court on Monday morning.
On the morning of January 26, the Gbese District Court released Abu Trica along with two alleged accomplices, Lord Eshun and Bernard Aidoo, after the State decided to withdraw the charges against them.
The three individuals had pleaded not guilty to charges of defrauding by false pretense and money laundering.
During proceedings at the High Court, Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem Sai informed the court that the prosecution had submitted a notice of withdrawal concerning Abu Trica, Lord Eshun, and Bernard Aidoo, indicating that the applications made by the applicants were now moot.
The legal representatives for Abu Trica and Bernard Aidoo had submitted separate requests for their discharge while the case was pending before the Gbese District Court.
“The Attorney General has filed an application stating that the process before the court has become moot.
“The applicant remains in custody of the Republic, and we believe that the issues arising from the application before this court are likely to recur, which is why, for the jurisprudence of our court, we argue that the matter is not moot,” stated Oliver Barker Vormawor.
“The request is baseless and lacks legal or factual support. The application before my Lady is grounded in a set of clear facts.
“The circumstances have entirely changed. There is no legal provision that allows for an application for certiorari to be granted on a matter that has become entirely moot.
“We therefore respectfully request my lady to permit the natural consequences of the termination of prosecution to take effect,” the Deputy AG argued.
After considering the arguments from both counsels, the presiding judge dismissed the application.
However, Abu Trica was rearrested by officials from the Narcotics Control Commission in the corridors of the High Court after the proceedings concluded, while he was conversing with his lawyers and family.
