Ghanaian businessman Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of the Interior, the FBI, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Narcotics Control Commission, and the Attorney-General over what he describes as unfair treatment and abuse of human rights during the time of his arrest.
In a document shared on social media after the suit was filed on February 5, 2026, Abu Trica, through his lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor, levelled a series of accusations against EOCO, the FBI, the Minister of the Interior, and other state security agencies.
This article explores Abu Trica’s accusations against the state security agencies:
Prolonged detention
Abu Trica accused the Narcotics Control Commission (2nd respondent), EOCO (3rd respondent), and the Attorney-General (5th respondent) of detaining him from morning until late evening without food, water, or other basic human necessities.
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According to Abu Trica, while detained on December 11, 2025, he was “subjected to physical and psychological distress, which constitutes torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment,” adding that he was kept in handcuffs from morning till evening.
Denial of counsel
Abu Trica also alleged that the Narcotics Control Commission, EOCO (4th respondent), and the Attorney-General denied him access to a legal representative despite his constant requests.
He stated that while being interrogated by armed officers and subjected to threats and intimidation, his request for access to counsel of his choice was denied, violating his constitutional rights to legal representation, dignity, and a fair trial under Articles 15 and 19 of the 1992 Constitution.
Seizure of personal belongings
Abu Trica further noted that his personal belongings, including an iPhone 17, jewellery, watches, and three vehicles (a Lamborghini, a Mercedes, and a Cybertruck), were forcefully seized.
He added that after being taken to the cells of the Narcotics Control Commission, he was denied the opportunity to contact any member of his family, and his repeated requests for access to a lawyer were ignored.
Interrogation by FBI agents without lawyers
The businessman alleged that he was taken to a separate room and interrogated by three FBI agents and a Narcotics Control Commission officer.
He claimed that while being questioned and intimidated without a lawyer present, he was compelled by the FBI agents to sign a document whose contents were neither explained to him nor allowed to be read.
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He further alleged that the FBI agents threatened him to identify certain bank accounts and individuals associated with them, warning that he would be linked to fraudulent transactions ranging from $1 million to $8 million, whether or not he was involved.
Pressure to disclose mobile phone passwords
Abu Trica also claimed that he was compelled under pressure to disclose the passwords to his mobile phone.
He alleged that despite repeatedly demanding the presence of a lawyer during this process, his interrogators refused to grant him access to one.
Presentation before court without counsel
In the document, Abu Trica accused the Attorney-General and other state security agencies of presenting him before the Gbese District Court on December 12, 2025, without legal representation.
He added, “That, on our way to court, I once again requested to call my lawyer, but an officer told me it was not necessary as this was the first time I was being taken to court. The officer further explained that the court appearance was merely ‘proof’ of the arrest and search warrant.”
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Remand into custody pending extradition without a hearing
The document further noted that after persistent demands for a lawyer, Abu Trica was finally allowed to make a phone call while nearing the court premises.
He claimed that upon arrival at the District Court, the Magistrate inquired about his legal representation and yet proceeded to remand him into custody pending extradition proceedings without granting him a hearing.
“That at the District Magistrate Court, the Magistrate asked me about my legal representation and, despite this, proceeded to remand me into custody pending extradition proceedings without giving me a hearing,” the document stated.
Read the full document below:
JHM/EB
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