Josiah
Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering following his first appearance before a United States federal court after his extradition from Ghana.
Kumi appeared before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on Friday, two days after arriving in the United States. The court has scheduled his jury trial for September 8, 2026, before District Judge John R. Adams. He is being represented by an Ohio-based attorney.
His extradition took place on Thursday despite attempts by his legal team in Ghana to halt the process. His lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, argued that Kumi was flown to the United States before an appeal challenging the extradition order could be heard.
According to U.S. federal prosecutors, Kumi was allegedly part of a criminal network that used fake online identities, including AI-generated personas, to target elderly Americans through social media and online dating platforms. Investigators claim the group spent months cultivating relationships with victims through phone calls, emails and online messages before persuading them to send money for supposed medical emergencies, travel costs and investment opportunities.
Prosecutors allege the scheme defrauded victims of more than $8 million between April 2023 and late 2025. They further claim the proceeds were laundered and transferred from Ohio and other parts of the United States to Ghana and other destinations, with Kumi accused of helping distribute the funds.
Kumi has denied all the allegations against him.
Court records identify him as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and state that he is 31 years old.
Before his arrest, Kumi gained popularity on Instagram under the name “Abu Trica,” amassing nearly 100,000 followers by posting images of luxury cars and an affluent lifestyle.
He was extradited from Accra’s international airport on a Delta Air Lines flight.
If found guilty, Kumi faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Source:Omanghana.com
