The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a wanted cybercrime suspect, Samuel Ugberease, also known as “Putsammy,” “Putput,” and “Sammy,” to the United States to face charges related to online romance scams, wire fraud, and other financial crimes.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the extradition was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, following coordinated efforts between Nigerian and U.S. law enforcement authorities.
Placid disclosed that the suspect, who had been residing in South Africa before his arrest, was extradited on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, after the conclusion of extradition proceedings in Nigeria.
Investigations revealed that between 2014 and 2018, Ugberease and his accomplices allegedly operated an international fraud syndicate that targeted female victims in the United States, particularly in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
“The syndicate reportedly created fake online identities and dating profiles to establish fraudulent emotional relationships with victims before manipulating them into sending large sums of money under false pretences and fabricated emergencies,” Placid stated.
Police further alleged that proceeds from the fraud were laundered through several bank accounts used to receive and conceal illicit funds.
“In one of the reported cases, the suspect was linked to the defrauding of a victim of over One Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars ($1.5 million USD),” the police spokesman added.
The suspect was initially arrested by INTERPOL operatives at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on December 14, 2025, upon his arrival from South Africa. His arrest followed an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by U.S. authorities.
Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were instituted at the Federal High Court in Lagos, where the court granted the application for his extradition in line with the provisions of the Extradition Act, CAP E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime and transnational organised crime.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to leveraging INTERPOL tools, international partnerships, and intelligence-led policing to combat cybercrime, financial fraud, and other transnational organised criminal activities,” Placid said, while assuring both local and international partners of continued collaboration in advancing global security.
