Nigeria Extradites Alleged Cyber Fraud Suspect Samuel Ugberease to U.S. Over $1.5m Romance Scam
Nigeria Extradites Alleged Cyber Fraud Suspect Samuel Ugberease to U.S. Over $1.5m Romance Scam
The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a wanted cyber fraud suspect, Samuel Ugberease, popularly known as “Putsammy,” “Putput,” and “Sammy,” to the United States to face prosecution over alleged online romance scams, wire fraud, and related financial crimes.
According to police authorities, the extradition was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja after the completion of legal and diplomatic procedures between Nigerian and U.S. law enforcement agencies.
Police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed that the suspect, who had reportedly been based in South Africa before his arrest, was extradited on Wednesday, May 14, 2026.
Investigations revealed that between 2014 and 2018, Ugberease and members of his syndicate allegedly operated an online romance scam network targeting female victims in the United States, particularly in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The group was accused of creating fake identities and fraudulent dating profiles to manipulate victims emotionally before convincing them to send huge sums of money under false pretences and fabricated emergencies.
The police further alleged that proceeds from the fraud were laundered through multiple bank accounts used to conceal illicit transactions. Authorities linked the suspect to the alleged defrauding of one victim of more than $1.5 million.
The suspect was initially arrested by INTERPOL operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on December 14, 2025, shortly after arriving from South Africa, following an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by U.S. authorities.
Following extradition proceedings at the Federal High Court in Lagos, the court approved his transfer to the United States in line with Nigeria’s Extradition Act.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to combating cybercrime, financial fraud, and transnational organized crime through international collaboration and intelligence-driven policing.
