Lawyers for Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, have filed an emergency application at the Criminal Division of the High Court in a fresh bid to halt his extradition to the United States, where he is wanted to face multiple criminal charges.
The application seeks to abridge the time for hearing a request for the court to reconsider its earlier decision that granted the green light for Abu Trica’s extradition to the US.
The legal team argues that the matter requires urgent attention and is asking the court to expedite proceedings to determine whether the extradition order should be reviewed before it is carried out.
Abu Trica is wanted by US authorities over allegations including wire fraud and money laundering.
The extradition request forms part of ongoing legal cooperation between Ghana and the United States in the prosecution of cross-border financial crimes.
The High Court had previously ruled in favour of the extradition request after considering the application brought before it, paving the way for Abu Trica to be transferred to the United States to stand trial.
However, his lawyers are challenging that decision, insisting that the court should revisit its ruling.
Through the emergency application, they are seeking an expedited hearing and are urging the court to reconsider the order authorising his extradition.
The latest court filing marks another chapter in the legal battle surrounding Abu Trica’s case, with the outcome expected to determine whether the extradition process proceeds as scheduled or is temporarily put on hold pending further judicial review.
The Criminal Division of the High Court is expected to hear the emergency application as proceedings in the matter continue.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI