The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a suspected cyber fraudster, Samuel Ugberease, to the United States to face charges related to online romance scams, wire fraud, and other financial crimes.
The suspect, popularly known by aliases including “Putsammy,” “Putput,” and “Sammy,” was extradited on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, through the efforts of INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja after the completion of legal and diplomatic processes between Nigerian and American authorities.
According to the police, investigations revealed that Ugberease and members of his syndicate allegedly operated a large-scale romance scam network between 2014 and 2018, targeting women in the United States, particularly in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The syndicate was said to have used fake online identities and fabricated dating profiles to deceive victims into emotional relationships before convincing them to send huge sums of money under false claims and staged emergencies.
Authorities further disclosed that the proceeds from the fraudulent operations were allegedly moved through several bank accounts in a bid to conceal the illicit funds.
Investigators linked the suspect to the defrauding of one victim of more than $1.5 million.
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Police said the suspect was initially arrested by INTERPOL operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on December 14, 2025, shortly after arriving in Nigeria from South Africa.
His arrest followed an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by law enforcement authorities in the United States.
Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos, where the court granted the request for his extradition in line with provisions of Nigeria’s Extradition Act.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the police reaffirmed their commitment to working with international security agencies in tackling cybercrime, financial fraud, and transnational organised crimes.
The force also assured both local and foreign partners of continued collaboration through intelligence-led policing and INTERPOL partnerships aimed at strengthening global security efforts.
