Abu Trica re-arrested after High Court throws out certiorari bid
The High Court struck out his application for certiorari, ruling that the case had effectively run its course once the state withdrew the charges against him and two other accused persons, leading to their formal discharge.
Frederick Kumi — better known as Abu Trica — was picked up again on Monday, 26 January, shortly after a High Court dismissed his attempt to challenge earlier proceedings at the Gbese District Court.
The High Court struck out his application for certiorari, ruling that the case had effectively run its course once the state withdrew the charges against him and two other accused persons, leading to their formal discharge.
Although the prosecution had been discontinued, Abu Trica returned to court seeking to quash aspects of the District Court process, arguing that outstanding issues still needed to be addressed.
The Attorney-General’s Department opposed that move, insisting there was no longer a live controversy because the charges had already been withdrawn.
The court agreed, describing the application as moot, and struck it out.
During the hearing, Abu Trica’s lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, told the court his client remained in custody despite being discharged — a situation he said showed a gap between legal outcomes on paper and what was happening in reality.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai responded that if Abu Trica was still being held after his discharge, steps would be taken immediately to ensure his release.
Soon after the High Court proceedings ended, state authorities re-arrested Abu Trica, creating fresh uncertainty around the case.
Abu Trica is linked to romance fraud allegations, and the United States has submitted an extradition request to Ghanaian authorities. His lawyers say he is willing to cooperate with all lawful processes.
Speaking later to journalists, counsel for Abu Trica and the two other accused confirmed that all three had indeed been discharged following the withdrawal of charges.
He said they had subsequently been taken to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) headquarters. The reason, he noted, had not been formally communicated, though he suspected it might be administrative.
He said he would provide updates as the situation unfolds.
