A court in the United States has allowed lawyers representing Ghanaian extradition suspect Abu Trica to access sealed evidence collected by investigators ahead of his trial in September.
The ruling marks an important step in the case, as it gives the defence team the opportunity to review confidential materials that prosecutors intend to rely on during the trial.
Although the court approved access to the evidence, it also imposed strict conditions on how the documents can be handled.
Only members of the defence team and individuals specifically authorised by the court may review the materials.
The court further directed that the confidential documents must not be made public or used for any purpose outside the legal proceedings.
The decision is expected to help Abu Trica’s legal team better evaluate the prosecution’s case and prepare its defence before the trial begins in September.
Both the prosecution and the defence continue to prepare for what is expected to be a high-profile trial.
Abu Trica is facing criminal charges in the United States over his alleged involvement in an international fraud scheme.
His extradition from Ghana followed a prolonged legal battle, during which his lawyers filed several applications in Ghanaian courts in an effort to stop his transfer to the United States.
Despite those legal challenges, the extradition process was completed, allowing the case to proceed before a US federal court.
The trial, scheduled for September, will determine the allegations against him.
The latest court order now allows his lawyers to examine confidential investigative evidence under tightly controlled conditions as they prepare their defence.
