Frederick Kumi, popularly known as “Abu Trica,” has pleaded not guilty to multiple criminal charges before a United States District Court after being extradited from Ghana to face prosecution.
Abu Trica is facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with an alleged international cyber fraud scheme.
According to court documents, U.S. prosecutors allege that Kumi conspired with Daniel Yussif and other suspects to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to create fake identities and establish deceptive online relationships with victims.
Also read: Kumasi: Police investigate Chief Inspector for allegedly running “Ashawo” joint
Investigators claim the alleged scheme was designed to manipulate victims into sending money under false pretences.
The case is being heard by John R. Adams at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division.
The court has scheduled September 8, 2026, as the date for the commencement of the jury trial, while a pre-trial conference has been fixed for August 25, 2026.
Court filings also indicate that both the prosecution and the defence remain free to pursue plea negotiations before the trial begins.
However, the court made it clear that any plea agreement must be concluded before the pre-trial conference.
“Accordingly, the court will not accept plea agreements after the date of the pre-trial,” the court stated.
Abu Trica’s not guilty plea means the case will proceed toward trial unless both parties reach an agreement before the court’s stipulated deadline.