The Nigeria Police Force has extradited Samuel Ugberease, also known as “Putsammy,” “Putput,” and “Sammy,” to the United States to face charges of online romance scam, wire fraud, and other financial crimes.
The suspect, who was based in South Africa prior to his arrest, was extradited on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, following the conclusion of extradition proceedings and coordinated efforts between Nigerian and United States law enforcement authorities.
Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid, said investigations showed that between 2014 and 2018, the suspect and his accomplices operated a syndicate that targeted victims in the United States through online romance scams, particularly within the Eastern District of North Carolina.
He said the group created fake online identities and dating profiles to build fraudulent emotional relationships with victims, before manipulating them into sending money under false pretences and fabricated emergencies.
According to him, proceeds of the fraud were laundered through multiple bank accounts used to receive, process and conceal illicit funds.
He added that in one of the cases, the suspect was linked to the defrauding of a victim of more than $1.5 million.
The police said the fugitive was initially arrested by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on December 14, 2025, upon his arrival from South Africa, following a red notice issued by United States authorities.
Subsequently, extradition proceedings were instituted 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 reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging INTERPOL mechanisms, international cooperation and intelligence-led policing to combat cybercrime, financial fraud and other transnational organised crimes.
