Nigerian police wanted cyber fraud suspect extradited to US

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has successfully extradited one Samuel Ugberease, also known as “Putsammy”, “Putput” and “Sammy”, to the United States of America (USA) to face charges bordering on online romance scam, wire fraud and related financial crimes.

The Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Anthony Placid, in a press statement, on Thursday in Abuja, said the suspect, who was residing in South Africa prior to his arrest, was extradited on Wednesday, following the conclusion of extradition proceedings and coordinated engagements between Nigerian and US law enforcement authorities.

He said the investigation revealed that between 2014 and 2018, the suspect and his accomplices operated a crime syndicate involved in online romance scams against female victims in the United States, specifically in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The syndicate reportedly created false online identities and dating profiles to establish fraudulent emotional relationships with victims before manipulating them into sending large sums of money under false pretenses and trumped-up emergencies.

DSP Placid further noted that investigations established that the proceeds of the fraud were laundered through multiple bank accounts used to receive, process and hide illicit funds.

“In one of the reported cases, the suspect was linked to defrauding a victim of over US$1.5 million ($1.5 million).

“The fugitive was initially arrested by officers of INTERPOL NCB Abuja at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on 14 December 2025 upon his arrival from South Africa, following an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by the United States authorities.

“Subsequently, extradition proceedings were commenced at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, where the Court granted the extradition request in accordance with the provisions of the Extradition Act, CAP E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004,” the statement read in part.

The FPRO added that “NPF reiterates its commitment to leveraging INTERPOL tools, international partnerships and intelligence-based policing to combat cybercrime, financial fraud and other transnational organized criminal activities, while assuring local and international partners of its continued cooperation in promoting global security.”