The courtroom turned into a debate arena on January 14, 2026, after lawyers for Swedru businessman and social media influencer Abu Trica broke their silence following his latest appearance at the Gbese District Court.
In a video that has since gone viral, Robert Ishmael Aggrey Amissah, lawyer for Abu Trica (second accused in the extradition case involving Frederick Kumi), dismissed the so-called “romance scam” allegations as legally baseless.
According to him, Ghanaian law does not recognise “romance scam” as a crime.
“They say it’s romantic fraud. But what exactly is romance scam?” he asked.
“If two people agree they are in a relationship, I ask for money and you give it to me — how is that a crime?”
Then came the line that set social media on fire 👇🏽
“If this is romance scam, then all slay queens who take money from their men should be arrested.”
The lawyer argued that requesting money from a romantic partner online does not automatically amount to fraud, especially when there is consent and acknowledgment of a relationship.
He went further to question the legal foundation of the charges:
“Is there a law in Ghana called ‘romance scam’? That legislation belongs to another country, not Ghana.”
But Is He Right?
While the term “romance scam” does not appear word-for-word in Ghana’s Constitution, legal experts point out that related offences fall under:
The Criminal Code, 1960 (Act 29)
The Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038)
Sections 131–133 of Act 29 clearly state that fraud occurs when a person uses false pretence or impersonation to obtain money or property from another.
In simple terms, the real question is not about love, it’s about lies, deception, and intent.
The Big Question Ghanaians Are Asking
So where does the law draw the line?
Is asking for money in a relationship a crime?
Or does it only become illegal when false identity and deception are involved?
And if Abu Trica’s argument stands, how many people on social media would suddenly become “criminals”?