Calls for the release of Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, are gaining traction within Ghana’s music scene, with Kwaw Kese becoming the latest high-profile voice to weigh in as his extradition case unfolds.
The rapper used his moment on stage at the Gomoa Street Carnival on April 6, 2026, to push the message, briefly stopping his performance to speak directly to the crowd and authorities. His remarks align with similar concerns raised by Shatta Wale and others who link the situation to the country’s economic realities.
“Free Abu Trica, free Abu… There are no jobs in Ghana, but when the boys rack their brains to earn dollars, you see the government reacting in a certain way… Free Abu Trica,” he said.
Even as support grows in entertainment circles, developments in court are moving in the opposite direction. The Gbese District Court has granted approval for Kumi to be handed over to authorities in the United States, where he is wanted in connection with a large-scale online fraud case.
The charges stem from an indictment that places him in a romance scam operation believed to have generated more than $8 million. Still, the court has opened a 15-day window for Kumi’s legal team to challenge the decision, temporarily halting any extradition process to allow for a possible habeas corpus application.
Arguments from the defence suggesting political targeting and entrapment did not hold, with the court dismissing both claims.
Kumi’s case has seen several twists. He was initially discharged by the same court on January 26, 2026, after prosecutors withdrew earlier charges. Not long after, he and his co-accused were re-arrested by the Narcotics Control Commission.
Fresh charges soon followed, including allegations of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud by false pretence.
Unsealed documents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio describe what investigators believe was a structured network that targeted elderly victims across parts of the United States from 2023.
The filings indicate that members of the group allegedly used artificial intelligence to create convincing fake identities, building relationships with victims on social media and dating platforms before persuading them to send money and valuables.
Authorities also allege that Kumi played a role in moving and distributing the proceeds to associates in Ghana and other locations.
He is currently facing multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification, as proceedings continue.
Watch his statement below.
@ghana.eye Live updates: Kwaw Kese speaks following the release of Abu Trica amid the $8M romance and extraction case, sharing his thoughts on the situation. #viral #trending #fyp #viralvideo #ghanaeye ♬ original sound – GHANA EYE
