Abu Trica Sues Interior Ministry, EOCO, NACOC and FBI Over Arrest

Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has filed a lawsuit against Ghana’s Interior Ministry, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), alleging unlawful arrest, detention, interrogation and multiple violations of his constitutional rights.

The suit follows Abu Trica’s recent rearrest, weeks after an Accra High Court discharged him following the state’s withdrawal of charges in an earlier case linked to alleged wire fraud and romance scams.

Claims of Torture and Inhuman Treatment

In his application, Abu Trica contends that his arrest on 11 December 2025 was carried out under conditions that amounted to torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, in violation of Article 15 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

He alleges that he was kept in handcuffs from morning until late evening, denied food, water, rest and other basic necessities, and subjected to severe physical and psychological distress while in the custody of officers from NACOC, EOCO and other state security agencies.

Denial of Legal Representation

According to the suit, Abu Trica was interrogated while still restrained in handcuffs, surrounded by armed officers, threatened and intimidated, and repeatedly denied access to a lawyer of his choice, despite making several requests.

He argues that these actions violated his constitutional rights to dignity, legal representation and a fair trial, as guaranteed under Articles 15 and 19 of the Constitution.

Role of the FBI Challenged

A central issue in the case is the alleged involvement of FBI agents. Abu Trica claims that foreign law enforcement officers were permitted to interrogate him on Ghanaian soil while he was in custody and without legal counsel.

He argues that the FBI has no independent authority to arrest, detain or interrogate suspects in Ghana, and that allowing such actions amounted to an unlawful interference with his liberty and fair trial rights.

Search of Swedru Residence

The applicant is also challenging the legality of a search conducted at his Swedru residence, popularly referred to as “Abu Trica’s Mansion.” He claims the search was carried out while he was already in custody and without giving him or a representative the opportunity to be present, which he says violated his rights to privacy, property and due process.

Beyond the arrest and interrogation, Abu Trica alleges that he was recorded while in custody, and that the footage was later circulated on social media. He is also contesting a public statement issued by one of the state agencies describing him as a “notorious cyber-criminal” before any court determination of guilt.

According to him, these actions damaged his reputation and breached his constitutional right to be presumed innocent.

Based on these claims, Abu Trica is asking the court to:

• Exclude all statements, passwords, electronic data and devices obtained from him while in custody without access to legal counsel

• Declare the interrogation by FBI agents unlawful and unconstitutional

• Restrain the FBI or any foreign agency from exercising investigative powers over him in Ghana

• Grant an interim injunction preventing his extradition or transfer to any foreign country until the case is determined

• Award GH₵10 million in compensation for emotional distress, reputational damage and psychological harm

The case is expected to raise significant constitutional questions about law enforcement conduct, suspects’ rights, and the role of foreign agencies in criminal investigations in Ghana.