The Nigeria Police Force has extradited wanted cyber fraud suspect, Samuel Ugberease, also known as “Putsammy,” “Putput,” and “Sammy,” to the United States over alleged wire fraud and online romance scam.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the police said Ugberease was extradited on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, after the conclusion of extradition proceedings and coordination between Nigerian and US law enforcement authorities.
According to the statement, the suspect was wanted in connection with an alleged criminal syndicate that operated between 2014 and 2018, targeting female victims in the United States, particularly in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The police said the syndicate allegedly created fake online identities and dating profiles to build fraudulent emotional relationships with victims before manipulating them into sending money under false pretences.
Investigators also found that proceeds of the alleged fraud were laundered through multiple bank accounts used to receive, move and conceal illicit funds.
In one of the reported cases, Ugberease was linked to the alleged defrauding of a victim of more than $1.5 million.
The police said he was first arrested by operatives of INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on December 14, 2025, after arriving from South Africa.
His arrest followed an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by authorities in the United States.
Following the arrest, extradition proceedings were filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, where the court granted the application for his extradition in line with the Extradition Act, CAP E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The Nigeria Police Force said it remains committed to using INTERPOL tools, international partnerships and intelligence-led policing to combat cybercrime, financial fraud and transnational organised crime.
