The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a wanted cyber fraud suspect, Samuel Ugberease, popularly known as “Putsammy,” “Putput,” and “Sammy,” to the United States over alleged involvement in online romance scams and wire fraud linked to more than $1.5 million.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid on Thursday.
He said the extradition was carried out through INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja following the conclusion of legal proceedings and joint coordination between Nigerian and United States law enforcement authorities.
Police investigations revealed that between 2014 and 2018, the suspect allegedly operated a romance fraud syndicate targeting women in the United States, particularly in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The group reportedly used fake identities and online dating profiles to deceive victims into emotional relationships before manipulating them into sending money under false pretences.
Authorities said proceeds from the scams were moved through multiple bank accounts to conceal the illicit funds. In one of the cases under investigation, the suspect was linked to the alleged defrauding of a victim of over $1.5 million.
The suspect, who had been residing in South Africa before his arrest, was apprehended by INTERPOL operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on December 14, 2025, upon arrival from South Africa after an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued against him by US authorities.
A Federal High Court in Lagos later granted the application for his extradition in line with Nigeria’s Extradition Act.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to tackling cybercrime and transnational financial fraud through intelligence-led policing, international cooperation, and the use of INTERPOL tools.
