Nigeria Police Extradites Alleged Romance Scam Suspect to United States Over $1.5m Fraud Case
The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a suspected cyber fraudster, Samuel Ugberease, popularly known by the aliases “Putsammy,” “Putput,” and “Sammy,” to the United States to face prosecution over alleged online romance scams, wire fraud, and related financial crimes.
The extradition was carried out by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja in collaboration with United States law enforcement authorities following the completion of legal and diplomatic procedures.
According to the police, Ugberease, who had been residing in South Africa before his arrest, was extradited on Wednesday, May 14, 2026.
Investigations reportedly revealed that between 2014 and 2018, the suspect and members of his syndicate operated a coordinated romance scam network targeting women in the United States, particularly within the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The syndicate allegedly created fake online identities and fraudulent dating profiles to deceive victims into emotional relationships before manipulating them into sending money under false claims, fabricated emergencies, and other deceptive tactics.
Authorities further disclosed that proceeds from the alleged fraud were moved through multiple bank accounts in an attempt to conceal the origin of the funds.
In one of the cases linked to the suspect, investigators alleged that a victim was defrauded of more than $1.5 million.
The police stated that the suspect was initially arrested by INTERPOL operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on December 14, 2025, shortly after arriving from South Africa. His arrest followed an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by authorities in the United States.
Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were initiated at the Federal High Court in Lagos, where the court approved his transfer to the United States in line with the provisions of Nigeria’s Extradition Act.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation and intelligence-driven policing in tackling cybercrime, financial fraud, and other transnational organised crimes.
The Force also assured both local and foreign partners of its continued collaboration in efforts aimed at enhancing global security and combating cross-border criminal activities.
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