Ghanaian Socialite Abu Trica Charged With $8 Million U.S. Romance Scam Targeting Elderly Victims

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio has revealed that a federal grand jury has indicted 31-year-old Ghanaian Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, for defrauding victims of more than $8 million. Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, was arrested in Ghana on Thursday, December 11. According to the indictment, he was part of a criminal network that targeted elderly individuals across the United States through romance scams starting in 2023. The scheme allegedly involved the use of Artificial Intelligence to create multiple fake identities, allowing Kumi and his co-conspirators to build close personal relationships with victims, most of whom were elderly. The network reportedly approached targets via social media and online dating platforms, gaining their trust before asking for money or valuables under false pretenses. The indictment states that the scammers used intimate conversations over phone, email, and messaging apps to solicit funds for supposed medical emergencies, travel, and investment opportunities. After receiving money, Kumi and his associates allegedly funneled the funds from Ohio and other U.S. locations to accomplices in Ghana and beyond. Kumi faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and a forfeiture specification, with a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing will consider factors such as his role in the scheme, prior criminal record, and other circumstances, but will not exceed statutory maximums. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough, following an investigation by the FBI Cleveland Division. Abu Trica, a well-known social media figure in Ghana, has a large following and is often seen online flaunting luxury jewelry, stacks of cash, and traveling in convoys of exotic cars with friends.

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Don Jazzy Reveals $4–5 Million Spent To Make Rema’s Calm Down A Global Hit

Don Jazzy has shared details about the enormous investment it took to turn Rema’s hit “Calm Down” into a global success. During a podcast interview, he revealed just how much goes into promoting a song beyond its production. He said, “A song like ‘I’m Down’ now, you will probably spend close to four or five million dollars to get it to where it is. Okay, as we conquer this place now, you spend the next money, you go to the next place. Wow, $4–5 million. Yeah, the lifetime cost, now you don’t know it. That’s a good question.” When asked about the revenue the track has generated, Don Jazzy simply replied, “A lot!” emphasizing both its commercial success and international reach. The revelation highlights the scale of resources and strategy required to propel Afrobeats hits onto the global stage, showing that behind every worldwide sensation is a major financial and promotional effort. “We Spent close to 4-5 Million Dollars to get ‘Calm Down’ to where it is” — Donjazzy in New interview with Toolz & Bounce pic.twitter.com/mdNJHJp9oJ — HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) December 11, 2025

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Rema Reveals He Used Army Friend For Protection During Freestyle Video Over Fear Of SARS

Rema has revealed a safety measure he once had to take while shooting a freestyle video, explaining that the fear of SARS influenced his decision. The singer said he asked a friend in the Army to sit in the back seat of his car during the recording because he wore dreadlocks at the time and didn’t want to risk any confrontation or harassment. Sharing the moment, he said artists often go to unusual lengths just to stay safe while creating content. In his words: “The fear of SARS made me put my Army friend at the back seat of my car in my freestyle video because I’m on dread.” “The fear of SARS made me to put my Army friend at the back seat of my car in my freestyle video because I'm on dread" – Rema 😂 pic.twitter.com/AazwK5gnhb — OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) December 11, 2025

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Rita Edochie Clashes With Judy Austin Again Over Fresh “Witch Attack” Claims

Rita Edochie has launched a fresh attack on Judy Austin after Judy shared a cryptic post suggesting that a “witch and her coven” were going after her family. Judy didn’t mention names, but the tone and direction of her message made it clear to many who she was referring to — and Rita responded immediately with a fiery, spiritually charged statement. The clash reignited after Judy claimed she was under spiritual assault, warning that anyone targeting her home would face consequences. Her message stirred reactions because she has made similar claims in the past, usually followed by major tension within the Edochie family. Rita, who has consistently defended May Yul Edochie and openly opposed Judy, countered with a lengthy message that left no doubt about who she was addressing. She began by praising May’s rise, saying: “NWAM, YOUR BEAUTY, BRILLIANCE, AND SUCCESS IS PUTTING SLEEP OFF THEIR EYES IF NOT WHY THIS SO MUCH H@TE? NA WAOO0.” She then described Judy’s recent outburst as another attempt to create confusion, writing: “NOW, LET IT BE KNOWN TODAY AND FOREVER THAT WHENEVER THE DEVIL BEGINS TO BARK CONFUSION RISES AND THINGS TEND TO SHIFT UNLESS DEALT WITH THROUGH FIRM SPIRITUAL VIGILANCE.” Rita revisited an earlier incident where Judy claimed enemies were attacking her and her children, saying the drama eventually dragged May into the mess. She also referenced the death of a young actress, noting that someone had celebrated online afterwards and declared that their enemies were falling “one by one.” She warned that this new round of accusations would not stand, declaring: “THE DEVIL IS PLOTTING OOOO BUT THIS TIME HER PLOTS WILL MELT SCATTER AND BE WASHED AWAY BY A DIVINE EROSION A HEAVENLY FLOOD FILLED WITH FIERCE SPIRITUAL POWER.” Rita stressed that God cannot be manipulated, adding: “HE CANNOT BE REMOTE CONTROLLED. AND WHATEVER THE DEVIL IS PLANNING THIS TIME SHE WILL GO DOWN WITH HER HEAD INCLUDED IJMN.” She went on to celebrate May’s continued progress, saying her success is what has disturbed those watching her rise: “NWAM MY DARLING QUEEN MAY YUL EDOCHIE YOUR BEAUTY BRILLIANCE AND SUCCESS HAVE REMOVED SLEEP FROM THEIR EYES. CHA THEY NEVER EXPECTED YOUR GLORIOUS RISING.” Rita assured her followers that May’s elevation has only just begun, urging them to keep praying for her and her family as she concluded: “JESUS IS COMFORTABLY SEATED ON YOUR MATTER… PLEASE LET’S KEEP PRAYING FOR MY DARLING DAUGHTER QUEEN MAY YUL EDOCHIE AND HER ENTIRE FAMILY.” The latest exchange adds even more fuel to the long-running conflict that has played out publicly between Rita and Judy, keeping tensions around the Edochie family firmly in the spotlight.

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Oshiomhole, Ndume Clash Over Reno Omokri’s Ambassadorial Nomination in Senate

Senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) engaged in a heated exchange in Abuja on Thursday over the ambassadorial nomination of former presidential aide Reno Omokri. The disagreement erupted after a motion was placed on the Senate floor proposing that Omokri and other nominees be asked to bow out. Senator Ndume maintained that the motion needed to be seconded before any discussion could take place. Oshiomhole opposed this, insisting he should be allowed to address the chamber first. He argued that Omokri’s nomination could not be overlooked, citing “raging issues in the public domain” surrounding the matter.

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Ekiti Queens Get ₦2.5m Fine, Three-Game Home Ban

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has imposed sanctions on Ekiti Queens following the assault on match officials during their Wednesday’s home match against Edo Queens in Ado-Ekiti, describing the incident as a severe violation of league safety and conduct regulations. In a swift response on Thursday, NWFL Media Director Samuel Ahmadu issued an official statement detailing the disciplinary actions, warning that the league organisers would not tolerate any threat to the safety of referees or the integrity of its competitions. Confirming the sanctions, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi condemned the attack and reiterated the league’s firm stance on safety and professionalism. “The assault on our match officials in Ado-Ekiti is completely unacceptable and a gross breach of NWFL regulations,” Shabi said. “The NWFL wishes to reiterate that the safety of referees is paramount. Violence, intimidation, or any behaviour that undermines the integrity of the league will attract the strongest possible sanctions.” Following the preliminary review of official reports and video evidences, the NWFL found Ekiti Queens guilty of multiple breaches of league regulations, including failure to provide adequate security, failure to control supporters, and allowing an unsafe environment that led to the attack on officials. As punishment,Ekiti Queens have been fined a total of ₦2.5 million for the varying breaches. In addition, the NWFL also ordered the club to play their next three home matches at a neutral venue in MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta. Shabi, also further, stressed that the penalties serve as a deterrent to all clubs across the league. “The NWFL will continue to enforce strict standards to protect match officials and maintain order at all centres. An attack on a referee is an attack on the league itself,” she said. “Clubs must ensure full compliance with our safety and conduct regulations.” The NWFL further appealed to home teams, state football associations, and matchday organisers to strengthen their security operations as the 2025/26 Premiership season gathers intensity.

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Morocco 2025: Chelle Picks Nwabali, Osimhen, Ndidi, 25 Others for 35th AFCON

Head Coach Eric Sékou Chelle has opted for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, and 20 other players to make up Nigeria’s 28-man roster for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations starting in Morocco in 10 days’ time. The Franco-Malian also picked defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Simon Moses, among others. There is a return for Cyprus-based goaltender Francis Uzoho, defender Igoh Ogbu and forward Paul Onuachu, while England-based defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed (Israel), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Italy) and Tochukwu Nnadi (Belgium), and Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal will be joining up with the group for the first time. The Super Eagles will clash with the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly encounter at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, 16th December, before flying aboard a chartered flight from Cairo to Fès (their battlefield in Group C) two days later. The three-time champions take on the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on 23rd December, before further group phase encounters against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles (27th December) and Uganda’s Cranes (30th December). 28 SUPER EAGLES FOR 35TH AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS MOROCCO 2025 Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus) Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England) Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel) Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961 (Croatia)

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Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo Dies After Collapse

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, has reportedly passed away. Sources say the deputy governor died on Thursday at an undisclosed hospital at the age of 60. Neither the Bayelsa State Government nor his family has provided details regarding the circumstances of his death. Reports indicate that Ewhrudjakpo collapsed on Thursday and was immediately taken to the hospital. Born on September 5, 1965, Ewhrudjakpo was a former federal lawmaker and had served as Bayelsa State’s Deputy Governor since 2020.

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