Cyber security expert Richard Kumador has criticised the conduct of alleged cyber fraud suspect Abu Trica following his arrest, stating that the suspect should have exercised his right to remain silent until his lawyer was present.
Speaking on Sompa FM, Mr. Kumador questioned why Abu Trica continued to respond to questions from investigators after initially indicating that he would not speak without his lawyer.
According to him, once a suspect invokes the right to legal representation, it becomes their responsibility to remain completely silent, regardless of continued questioning.
“The fact that investigators keep asking questions does not mean you are compelled to answer,” Mr. Kumador explained.
“The fact that investigators keep asking questions does not mean you are compelled to answer,” Mr. Kumador explained.
“Investigators will always ask questions. It is the duty of the suspect to keep quiet once they ask for a lawyer.”
He described the incident as a clear example of the widespread lack of understanding of basic legal rights among the general public.
He described the incident as a clear example of the widespread lack of understanding of basic legal rights among the general public.
Mr. Kumador stressed that suspects are not legally required to answer questions upon arrest and should insist on private consultation with their lawyers before making any statements.
According to the cyber security expert, many people mistakenly believe that refusing to answer questions could worsen their situation, when in reality, remaining silent is a protected constitutional right. He emphasised that exercising this right does not imply guilt.
“You cannot be forced to speak,” he said. “Silence is not an admission of wrongdoing. It is a legal right meant to protect suspects.”
Mr. Kumador further advised that even when a lawyer is present, suspects should not speak unless they have received clear guidance from their legal counsel.
According to the cyber security expert, many people mistakenly believe that refusing to answer questions could worsen their situation, when in reality, remaining silent is a protected constitutional right. He emphasised that exercising this right does not imply guilt.
“You cannot be forced to speak,” he said. “Silence is not an admission of wrongdoing. It is a legal right meant to protect suspects.”
Mr. Kumador further advised that even when a lawyer is present, suspects should not speak unless they have received clear guidance from their legal counsel.
He noted that every response given to investigators has legal implications and should be carefully considered.
“Even with a lawyer around, you don’t speak unless your lawyer advises you to,” he cautioned.
“Even with a lawyer around, you don’t speak unless your lawyer advises you to,” he cautioned.
“Every word you say can be used against you.”
Drawing comparisons with other high-profile arrests, Mr. Kumador praised Twum Barimah for refusing to speak during his arrest, describing that decision as the correct legal approach.
Drawing comparisons with other high-profile arrests, Mr. Kumador praised Twum Barimah for refusing to speak during his arrest, describing that decision as the correct legal approach.
He contrasted this with Abu Trica’s conduct, arguing that speaking without proper legal guidance could potentially weaken a suspect’s defence.
“In Twum Barimah’s case, he said nothing, and that was the right thing to do,” he said. “In Abu Trica’s situation, he should not have spoken at all.”
The cyber security expert called for intensified public education on legal rights, particularly regarding arrests and police questioning.
“In Twum Barimah’s case, he said nothing, and that was the right thing to do,” he said. “In Abu Trica’s situation, he should not have spoken at all.”
The cyber security expert called for intensified public education on legal rights, particularly regarding arrests and police questioning.
He suggested that improved awareness would help citizens protect themselves and avoid actions that could be detrimental to their cases.
Mr. Kumador concluded by urging law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, and the media to collaborate in educating the public on constitutional rights, stressing that knowledge of the law is a key safeguard in the justice system.
Mr. Kumador concluded by urging law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, and the media to collaborate in educating the public on constitutional rights, stressing that knowledge of the law is a key safeguard in the justice system.