Netizens have criticised Deputy Commissioner of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Alexander Twum Barimah, after a video showing the arrest of social media influencer Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, went viral.
In the video, Twum Barimah is heard questioning Abu Trica about his source of wealth. Abu Trica, who was handcuffed, insisted that he would only respond in the presence of his lawyers.
The actions of Twum Barimah have drawn condemnation from netizens and legal experts, many of whom described his conduct as inappropriate.
Private legal practitioner Noah Adamtey, who ‘dragged’ the Attorney General to the Supreme Court over the legality of the OSP, expressed disappointment about the NACOC officer’s action.
‘What Work Do You Do’?: Watch how Abu Trica fumbled on a simple question during his arrest
He noted that Twum Barimah, being a lawyer, should have known better. Adamtey urged Parliament to summon the Deputy Commissioner to answer questions regarding Abu Trica’s human rights.
“I’m not familiar with the specific human rights he has committed himself to, but I don’t think this issue should be overlooked, especially given his position. I expect Parliament to invite him to answer questions about his actions. Possibly, a formal petition should be lodged against him. We must take a stand against human rights abuses by those entrusted with public power,” Adamtey wrote.
Another legal practitioner, Afia Blue, also criticised the security agencies for bypassing due process. She questioned why Twum Barimah pressed Abu Trica for answers despite his request to wait for his lawyer.
“Everyday the police/security agencies mess up cases because of things like this. Just follow due procedure. He says he is waiting for his lawyer, why are you still questioning him?” she wrote.
Another social media user questioned the rationale behind forcing Abu Trica to speak while filming the encounter.
“Never thought I’d defend a fraud boy but wtf do they think they’re doing by forcing words out of him while recording him for public display?” the user commented.
During Abu Trica’s arrest on December 11, 2025, Twum Barimah questioned Abu Trica about his source of income.
Handcuffed and seated, Abu Trica stated that he had already provided the information to another officer. Twum Barimah pressed for a clear answer, ultimately eliciting a vague response that Abu Trica does “a lot of jobs” without further specifics.
The exchange between Abu Trica and Twum Barimah unfolded as follows:
Twum Barimah: What work do you do? I am the one asking the question. I don’t care about what you told somebody in my absence.
Abu Trica: My lawyer should answer the question. I have already done this thing. Ask the other people.
Twum Barimah: We are asking you questions under arrest about your work, and you want your lawyer to answer that? The lawyer cannot answer that question for you.
Abu Trica: The last time your officer came here, I answered the same question.
Twum Barimah: I am asking you. Just answer.
Abu Trica: The last time I explained it to the senior man. I keep saying it. I have not done any transaction for me to be handcuffed.
Twum Barimah: I haven’t asked about any transaction. I need the work that you do, so just say it.
Abu Trica: The jobs that I do are a lot.
The 31-year-old social media influencer appeared shaken during his arrest. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in the United States, which carry potential prison sentences of up to 20 years.
Abu Trica was arrested in Ghana during a joint operation with US authorities, who are seeking his extradition.
Read some of the posts below:
I learned about Alexander Twum-Barimah, the Deputy Director General (Enforcement, Control & Elimination) at the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), for the first time today. He is the individual who was interrogating Abu Trica while he was in handcuffs, under duress, and… pic.twitter.com/cF4TGovBzq
— Noah (@NoahAdamtey) December 14, 2025
Everyday the police/security agencies mess up cases because of things like this. Just follow due procedure. He says he is waiting for his lawyer, why are you still questioning him? https://t.co/zTBW6la0nd
— Afia (@af_ia_blue) December 14, 2025
I don’t know which security agency handled this but @samgeorgegh expressly admitted the involvement of cybersecurity in this.
I am assuming that he has oversight on this.
It is impermissible for law enforcement agencies to record a suspect while in detention or under arrest… https://t.co/nkacGyqkTu
— Timothy Selikem Korku Donkor (@DonkorST) December 14, 2025
Never thought I’d defend a fraud boy but wtf do they think they’re doing by forcing words out of him while recording him for public display? https://t.co/m9Xted1VDE
— wtf Kojo! (@clintakrasi) December 14, 2025
You can clearly see they are struggling in their handcuffs, but those fools are still interrogating them this is wrong, if I was in his position I would’ve sued their asses!!!!! https://t.co/81nPX4sbiL
— ɛƖƖıơɬɬ🇯🇲 (@asagbaaa) December 14, 2025
Twum Barima is a lawyer, and he knows that a suspect must be informed of their Miranda rights. Yet he is attempting to force information out of someone who has clearly denied the allegations and has explicitly requested legal counsel. Such tactics are unacceptable https://t.co/mscL9oHwcR
— Hamid (@raasterfarian) December 14, 2025
Guys, is this right? I thought they’re usually told they have the right to remain silent and anything they say will be used against them in the court of law. Is this different?
— Ms Rukie (@msrukie1) December 14, 2025
The person say he no go answer any question without his lawyer’s presence yet u dey force am to talk .. Very unprofessional from the security agent
— CB (@MajidCarlos) December 14, 2025
Why should he answer when his lawyer is not there. Until proven guilty by the court of law, he’s not a criminal.
— PowderGuy (@thepowderguy1) December 14, 2025
AK/BAI
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