The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a suspected cyber fraudster, Samuel Ugberease, popularly known as “Putsammy”, “Putput”, and “Sammy”, to the United States to face charges related to online romance scams, wire fraud, and other financial crimes.
The extradition was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, following the conclusion of legal proceedings and collaboration between Nigerian and United States law enforcement authorities.
According to the police, Ugberease was extradited on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, after investigations linked him to a criminal syndicate accused of orchestrating romance scams targeting women in the United States, particularly in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Police investigations revealed that between 2014 and 2018, the syndicate allegedly created fake online identities and dating profiles to establish deceptive emotional relationships with victims before manipulating them into sending large sums of money under fabricated emergencies and false pretences.
The authorities further disclosed that proceeds of the fraudulent operations were allegedly laundered through multiple bank accounts used to receive and conceal illicit funds. In one of the cases under investigation, the suspect was reportedly linked to the defrauding of a victim of more than $1.5 million.
The suspect was initially arrested by operatives of INTERPOL NCB 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 United States authorities.
Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were instituted at 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 Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, who confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, said the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to leveraging INTERPOL tools, intelligence-led policing, and international partnerships to combat cybercrime, financial fraud, and other transnational organised crimes.
He added that the Force would continue to cooperate with global law enforcement agencies in advancing international security and justice.
