As Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, battles serious federal charges in the United States, attention is rapidly shifting from the allegations against him to one of the formidable attorneys now fighting on his defense team — Eric F. Long.
Long is no ordinary name in the American legal community. The Cleveland-based attorney has developed an impressive reputation in criminal defense and complex litigation, earning professional recognition that places him among highly rated defense lawyers in Ohio.
He is a partner at Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, L.L.C., a Cleveland law firm known for handling complicated criminal cases. Super Lawyers lists Long as a top-rated criminal defense attorney and records his selection to its Super Lawyers list from 2021 through 2027, after previously being recognized as a Rising Star in 2019.
Long’s courtroom record has also attracted attention.
In October 2025, Long and attorney Tyler Walchanowicz secured a complete acquittal for a client facing two counts of Gross Sexual Imposition involving a minor. After a week-long trial and lengthy jury deliberations, the client was found not guilty on both counts.
Months earlier, Long and attorney Madelyn Grant also secured a not-guilty verdict in an aggravated vehicular homicide trial in Cuyahoga County.
His legal experience extends beyond conventional criminal defense. Long has handled civil litigation, Title IX matters and complex cases involving overlapping criminal, administrative and technological issues. He has also lectured attorneys on cybersecurity, technology and modern investigative techniques — experience that could prove significant in a federal case involving allegations tied to online activity.
Abu Trica was extradited from Ghana to the United States on July 9, 2026. Federal prosecutors accuse him and others of participating in a network that allegedly targeted elderly Americans through romance fraud schemes and obtained more than $8 million. He has pleaded not guilty, and the accusations remain allegations unless proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Long and fellow attorney Lucas D. Trott recently joined Abu Trica’s U.S. defense team as the case entered another crucial phase.
The federal proceedings have since been designated complex, allowing additional preparation time for both sides. Abu Trica has waived his speedy-trial rights, and a status conference is currently scheduled for November 3, 2026.
For Abu Trica, bringing an attorney of Long’s experience into the fight could prove significant. Federal criminal cases can involve enormous volumes of digital evidence, financial records, witness testimony and complicated legal arguments.
With Eric F. Long now playing a prominent role on the defense team, the courtroom battle surrounding Abu Trica has gained another compelling dimension.
One thing is certain: as this closely watched case moves forward, Eric F. Long will be one of the names to watch.
