'I only acted in my role as a journalist' — Captain Smart defends Abu Trica interview

• Captain Smart has defended his interview with Abu Trica, saying he acted purely in his capacity as a journalist and rejected claims that the appearance affected the ongoing extradition case.

• Abu Trica’s lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, criticised the decision to grant a television interview, arguing that discussing an active court case publicly is not advisable.

• The debate follows Abu Trica’s ongoing extradition proceedings to the US, where he faces allegations linked to wire fraud and money laundering, which he has denied.

His remarks come days after Abu Trica's lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, publicly criticised his client's decision to discuss the case on television while legal proceedings were still underway.

Speaking to journalists after a recent court hearing, Barker-Vormawor maintained that individuals involved in active court cases should avoid making public comments that could complicate their legal defence.

The lawyer said;

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Responding to the criticism, Captain Smart insisted that he had simply fulfilled his professional responsibility as a journalist by granting Abu Trica an opportunity to speak.

He said;

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The broadcaster also rejected claims that the interview had influenced the extradition case or placed Abu Trica at a legal disadvantage.

“Why should it affect him? I am not sure it has affected him,” Captain Smart stated when asked whether the television appearance had negatively impacted the case.

Addressing reactions on social media, where some users argued that the interview may have harmed Abu Trica's defence, the broadcaster declined to engage with the criticism.

He added;

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The controversy stems from Abu Trica's appearance on Onua TV in June, during which he denied allegations that he was involved in an $8 million romance fraud scheme. He claimed investigators had informed him that the amount directly linked to his case was $13,000, while also describing aspects of his interrogation following his arrest.

The interview attracted widespread public attention and prompted debate over whether it was prudent for a suspect facing extradition to publicly discuss an ongoing legal matter.

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Abu Trica is currently the subject of extradition proceedings after the Accra High Court dismissed his attempts to halt his transfer to the United States, where he is wanted over allegations including wire fraud and money laundering. He has denied any wrongdoing.