Lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor has argued that his client, Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, should be allowed to pursue his appeal against an extradition order regardless of the allegations against him.
According to Barker-Vormawor, the key issue before the High Court on July 9, 2026, is whether Abu Trica should be permitted to remain in Ghana while his appeal is heard.
“On July 9, the only issue before the High Court is whether, considering that Abu Trica has filed an appeal, he should be allowed to stay in Ghana so that his appeal can be heard? Or he should be taken away to prevent him from pursuing the appeal, even though he has a constitutional right of appeal,” he wrote on X.
He stressed that the case should not be judged based on Abu Trica’s personality or public perception but on the constitutional right to appeal.
“It’s not about whether Abu Trica is an angel or whether he is a good person. No. It’s about whether any Ghanaian in a similar situation should be able to pursue an appeal,” he said.
Barker-Vormawor maintained that everyone, including those facing serious allegations, deserves access to the legal process.
“I don’t know about you, but for me, even if he is the devil, is there a reason why he shouldn’t be allowed to appeal a decision?” he questioned.
He further argued that the quality of the judge who made the initial ruling should not prevent an appellant from seeking a review.
“The judge may be the most perfect judge in the world, but does that mean he should be prevented from pursuing an appeal?” he asked.
The lawyer also dismissed suggestions that the case was politically motivated, insisting his focus was on protecting legal rights.
“But imagine this was America, why on earth would they prevent their own citizen from pursuing their right of appeal?” he added.
His comments come after the High Court on July 6, 2026, dismissed an emergency application filed by Abu Trica seeking to halt his extradition to the United States.
