Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering charges after making his first appearance before a United States federal court, days after being extradited from Ghana.
Kumi appeared before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on Friday, two days after he was extradited to the United States. The court has scheduled his jury trial for September 8, 2026, before District Judge John R. Adams. Reports indicate that he has retained an Ohio-based lawyer to represent him.
His extradition on Thursday came despite ongoing legal efforts by his lawyers in Ghana to stop the process. His lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, had argued that Kumi was flown to the United States before an appeal challenging the extradition order could be heard.
Federal prosecutors allege that Kumi was part of a criminal network that used fake online identities, including some created with artificial intelligence, to target elderly Americans through social media and online dating platforms.
According to the indictment, members of the alleged syndicate spent months building trust with victims through phone calls, emails and online messages before persuading them to send money for supposed medical emergencies, travel expenses and investment opportunities.
Prosecutors claim the scheme defrauded victims of more than $8 million between April 2023 and late 2025. They also allege that proceeds from the fraud were laundered and transferred from Ohio and other parts of the United States to Ghana and other destinations, with Kumi accused of helping to distribute the funds.
Kumi has denied all the allegations.
Court documents also identify him as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and state that he is 31 years old.
Before his arrest, Kumi operated the Instagram account “Abu Trica”, where he attracted nearly 100,000 followers by sharing images of luxury cars and an extravagant lifestyle.
He was extradited from Accra’s international airport on a Delta Air Lines flight.
If convicted, Kumi could face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
