By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a suspected cyber fraudster, Samuel Ugberease, also known as “Putsammy”, “Putput”, and “Sammy”, to the United States of America over alleged involvement in online romance scams, wire fraud, and related financial crimes amounting to more than $1.5 million.
According to an official signed statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the suspect was extradited on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, following the conclusion of extradition proceedings and sustained collaboration between Nigerian and United States law enforcement agencies.
DCP Placid disclosed that the suspect, who had been residing in South Africa before his arrest, was wanted by authorities in the United States for his alleged role in a transnational cybercrime syndicate that targeted victims, particularly women, in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Investigations revealed that between 2014 and 2018, the syndicate allegedly operated sophisticated online romance scams by creating fake identities and fraudulent dating profiles to establish emotional relationships with unsuspecting victims. The victims were thereafter manipulated into transferring huge sums of money under false pretences, including fabricated emergencies and financial distress claims.
The police spokesperson further stated that proceeds of the fraudulent activities were laundered through several bank accounts used to receive, process, 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 statement added.
The statement noted that Ugberease was initially arrested by operatives of INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on December 14, 2025, upon his arrival from South Africa.
His arrest followed an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by authorities in the United States seeking his apprehension for prosecution.
Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were instituted before the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, which subsequently 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 reaffirmed its commitment to deploying INTERPOL mechanisms, intelligence-led policing strategies, and international partnerships in combating cybercrime, financial fraud, and other forms of transnational organised crime.
The Force also assured both local and international partners of its continued cooperation in strengthening global security and tackling cross-border criminal activities.
