Why the state dropped charges against 2 of Abu Trica’s accomplices
The case involving Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, took a major turn when prosecutors told the Gbese District Court that they could not continue with charges against two men previously linked to him.
Here is a clear explanation of why the state dropped those charges and what it means for the ongoing extradition process.
The State withdrew charges against Lord Eshun and Bernard Aidoo because investigations found no evidence linking either of them to the alleged romance fraud scheme.
According to the prosecution, police enquiries did not uncover any communication, financial records, or actions suggesting that the men were involved.
Once the investigators concluded that nothing tied them to the crime, the Attorney-General’s office had no lawful basis to keep them as accused persons.
Initially, both men were added to the case because the law allows the state to include people who are suspected of working alongside a main suspect.
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Under the Extradition Act, prosecutors do not need full proof at the beginning of a case. They can provisionally charge individuals while investigations continue.
In this situation, however, the completed investigations did not support moving forward with the charges, forcing the State to reconsider its stance.
Even though prosecutors admitted they had no evidence, they asked the court for more time before formally removing the names from the charge sheet.
They explained that the state needed to adjust its legal documents to reflect the new reality and follow the correct procedure.
For that reason, the court was asked not to rule immediately, and the judge agreed to reserve a decision.
The defence strongly challenged the state’s position. Lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor argued that since the state no longer considers the two men involved, there is no legal basis to accuse Abu Trica of conspiracy.
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He explained that a conspiracy requires more than one participant. If the supposed partners have been cleared, it becomes legally impossible to continue accusing the remaining person of acting with others.
The prosecution disagreed with the defence’s interpretation. They told the court that this stage of the case is about preparing for extradition, not proving guilt in a criminal trial.
Under Ghana’s laws and its extradition treaty, the state can apply to keep the main suspect before the court while it completes diplomatic processes, even if others are discharged.
In simple terms, the charges were withdrawn because there was no proof the two men played a role in the alleged scam.
While this development raises new legal questions about the strength of the case, it does not automatically end the process against Abu Trica.
The judge will now decide whether the extradition committal can continue with only one accused person remaining.
