Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi, was re-arrested on Monday, January 26, following the High Court’s decision to strike out his certiorari application contesting proceedings at the Gbese District Court.
He is wanted by US authorities over alleged romance fraud and is the subject of an extradition request.
The extradition case against Abu Trica and two others was first heard at the Gbese District Court, but prosecutors later discontinued proceedings against the co-accused.
His lawyers then argued that the conspiracy charge could not stand without the other accused persons, a position the court upheld, leading to the discharge of all three.
Notwithstanding his discharge by the District Court, Abu Trica returned to the High Court to pursue a certiorari application aimed at quashing certain aspects of the lower court’s proceedings.
In response, the Attorney-General’s office argued that the application was moot, since the prosecution had already been discontinued and the applicant discharged.
Abu Trica’s lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, told the court that his client remained in custody despite the withdrawal of the case, describing the situation as a disconnect between the law and reality.
But the Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, assured the court that if Abu Trica was still being held, steps would be taken to secure his immediate release.
The High Court struck out the certiorari application, holding that the applicant’s discharge rendered the matter moot.
Abu Trica was later re-arrested by state authorities shortly after the proceedings.
