By Kwame Bediako
Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has filed a lawsuit at the High Court challenging what he describes as unlawful arrest, detention and violations of his fundamental human rights by Ghanaian security agencies and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The action follows his arrest on December 11, 2025, which he claims subjected him to severe physical and psychological distress.
The respondents named in the suit are the Minister for the Interior, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the FBI, and the Attorney-General.
Abu Trica argues that the actions of the agencies collectively breached Article 15 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits torture and inhumane or degrading treatment.
According to court documents, more than 15 armed officers reportedly stormed his apartment at Airport Residential Area while he was playing video games with friends.
He claims he was immediately handcuffed and restrained from morning until late evening without access to food, water or rest, circumstances he says amount to inhumane treatment.
A key aspect of the suit centres on alleged foreign involvement in his interrogation. Abu Trica contends that while in Ghanaian custody, he was questioned coercively by three individuals identified as FBI agents, raising concerns about external interference.
He also alleged that officers seized several luxury vehicles, electronics and personal effects, including high-end cars, laptops, mobile phones, jewellery and other valuables, many of which he says belonged to friends, without providing an inventory or receipts.
The applicant further accused EOCO of breaching his right to be presumed innocent by publicly describing him as a “notorious cyber-criminal” prior to any court determination.
He is seeking GHS10 million in compensation from NACOC, EOCO and the FBI for alleged mistreatment, invasion of privacy and emotional distress.
