Lawyers representing Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, say they may file a habeas corpus application after alleging they have been denied access to their client following his detention.
The claim was made by lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who said his legal team has been unable to meet or communicate with Abu Trica for more than a week after his detention in connection with an extradition case.
The allegations come days after the Accra High Court ordered Abu Trica’s extradition to the United States, where he is wanted over alleged involvement in an international fraud scheme. The extradition process remains subject to Ghana’s legal procedures.
According to Barker-Vormawor, Abu Trica was recently taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention.
The lawyer, however, said he has not been able to independently verify his client’s medical condition because the legal team has allegedly been denied access to him.
As of the latest reports, the authorities had not publicly confirmed the circumstances surrounding the alleged hospitalisation.
Legal Team Threatens Habeas Corpus Action
Barker-Vormawor said his legal team would consider filing a habeas corpus application if access to Abu Trica continues to be restricted.
A habeas corpus application is a legal procedure that allows a court to examine whether a person’s detention is lawful and whether the detainee’s constitutional rights are being respected.
The lawyer argues that continued denial of access to legal counsel would raise concerns under Ghana’s constitutional guarantees relating to due process.
These claims represent the position of the defence and have not been independently verified by the relevant state authorities.
The latest development follows a recent ruling by the Accra High Court, which approved Abu Trica’s extradition to the United States.
U.S. authorities are seeking his extradition over allegations that he was involved in an international romance fraud operation reportedly linked to losses running into millions of dollars.
Abu Trica has not been convicted in relation to those allegations, and his legal team has indicated that it is pursuing available legal options within Ghana’s judicial system.
Authorities Yet to Respond Publicly
At the time of publication, there had been no official public response from the Ghana Police Service, the Attorney-General’s Department or other relevant state agencies regarding the lawyer’s allegations of restricted access.
Should an official response be issued, it is expected to provide further clarity on the detainee’s whereabouts, health status and access to legal representation.
The legal proceedings involving Abu Trica remain active, and any further action, including a possible habeas corpus application, will be determined through the courts.
Under Ghanaian law, allegations made by either the prosecution or the defence must be tested through the judicial process, and all parties are entitled to due process and a fair hearing.
The case continues to attract public attention because of its extradition implications and the legal questions surrounding access to detainees.
