Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, was re-arrested on Monday, January 26, 2026, by state authorities at the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) headquarters, shortly after the High Court struck out his application challenging proceedings at the Gbese District Court.

Abu Trica and two other accused persons had previously been discharged after the state withdrew charges against them in a case related to romance fraud, for which the United States has submitted an extradition request to Ghanaian authorities.

Despite their discharge, Abu Trica had returned to the High Court seeking to quash aspects of the District Court proceedings, arguing that certain legal issues arising from the case remained unresolved.

The Attorney-General’s Department opposed the application, stating that the matter was no longer active following the withdrawal of charges. The High Court subsequently struck out the application, ruling that there was no live issue before it.

Shortly after the court ruling, Abu Trica was taken into custody by NACOC, reigniting uncertainty about his legal status.

His legal team, led by Oliver Barker-Vormawor, confirmed that all three accused had been formally dischargedfollowing the state’s withdrawal of the charges.

“That’s what we prayed for from day one, and if the Attorney-General has seen light in that and done the thing, we welcome the decision of the court,” Barker-Vormawor stated.

However, the reason for their move to NACOC remained unclear, with counsel suggesting it could be administrative in nature.

“I’m yet to know why they are there, but I believe it’s for administrative purposes. Whatever transpires there, I’ll let you know,” he added.

Abu Trica’s legal team has reiterated that he remains willing to cooperate with all lawful processes, even as questions continue to surround his detention at NACOC following his discharge.