The High Court in Accra has authorised the extradition of Fredrick Kumi, widely known as "Abu Trica," to the United States to face prosecution over his alleged involvement in a romance fraud scheme said to have defrauded victims of about US$8 million.

The ruling represents a significant breakthrough in the extradition proceedings initiated by U.S. authorities, who are seeking to prosecute Kumi on multiple fraud-related charges.

News of the court's decision was disclosed by his lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, in a Facebook post on Thursday, July 2. The lawyer said he learnt of the judgment while outside Ghana on official business.

"I am out of Ghana for work. I just heard that the case of Abu Trica has been fast tracked and a judge has just ordered his extradition. Hmmm. FBI 1 – Abu 1. I guess this issue goes to the Supreme Court," he wrote.

The decision follows months of legal proceedings, during which the High Court granted Kumi bail in the sum of GH¢30 million with two justified sureties while considering the extradition request.

According to U.S. prosecutors, Kumi is linked to an alleged international romance scam syndicate accused of swindling victims out of millions of dollars through fraudulent online relationships.

With the latest ruling, the legal process for his transfer to the United States can proceed unless the decision is overturned by a higher court.

Mr Barker-Vormawor indicated that the defence is considering challenging the ruling at the Supreme Court, a move that could delay the extradition pending the outcome of the appeal.

The case has drawn widespread public interest because of the value of the alleged fraud and the collaboration between Ghanaian and U.S. authorities in pursuing the extradition request.

Should the matter proceed to the Supreme Court, the apex court will determine whether the High Court acted within the law in approving Kumi's extradition before any transfer to the United States is carried out.