Police extradite wanted cyber‑fraud suspect to the United States

By Kingsley Omonobi

The Nigeria Police Force, acting via the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja, has extradited Samuel Ugberease—also known as “Putsammy”, “Putput”, and “Sammy”—to the United States to face charges of online romance scams, wire fraud, and related financial crimes.

The suspect, who had been residing in South Africa before his arrest, was extradited on Wednesday, 14 May 2026, after extradition proceedings were completed and Nigerian and U.S. law‑enforcement agencies coordinated.

Force public relations officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid said: “Investigations showed that between 2014 and 2018, the suspect and his accomplices ran a criminal syndicate that targeted female victims in the United States—especially in the Eastern District of North Carolina—through online romance scams.”

“The syndicate allegedly fabricated online identities and dating profiles to build fake emotional connections with victims, then persuaded them to send large amounts of money under false pretences and fabricated emergencies.”

“Further investigations found that the proceeds were laundered through several bank accounts used to receive, process, and hide illicit funds.”

“In one case, the suspect was linked to a fraud that defrauded a victim of more than $1.5 million.”

“The fugitive was first arrested by INTERPOL NCB Abuja officers at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on 14 December 2025, after arriving from South Africa, following an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by U.S. authorities.”

“Extradition proceedings were then held at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, which granted the application under the Extradition Act, CAP E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

“The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to using INTERPOL tools, international