Abu Trica pleads not guilty to U.S. fraud charges

Ghanaian social media personality Frederick Kumi, widely known as Abu Trica, has entered a plea of not guilty to federal charges in the United States. Kumi appeared before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. His court appearance followed his extradition from Ghana earlier in the week.

A jury trial has been set for September 8, 2026, before District Judge John R. Adams. Kumi, who also faces charges under the name Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, is reportedly represented by an Ohio-based lawyer. His extradition proceeded despite a legal challenge by his lawyers in Ghana, who argued that an appeal against the extradition order was pending.

Federal prosecutors accuse Kumi of participating in a criminal syndicate that allegedly defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million. The indictment claims the group used sophisticated tactics, including fake online identities potentially generated by artificial intelligence, to target victims through social media and online dating platforms. They allegedly built trust over extended periods before soliciting funds for fabricated emergencies or investment opportunities.

The alleged scheme operated between April 2023 and late 2025, with prosecutors claiming that Kumi helped launder and distribute the fraudulent proceeds from the United States to Ghana and other locations. Before his arrest, Kumi maintained an Instagram account with nearly 100,000 followers, showcasing a lifestyle of luxury cars and affluence. If convicted, Kumi faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

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His client was flown to the United States before the appeal against the extradition order could be determined.