Nigeria Police Extradites Alleged Cyber Fraud Suspect to United States
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, wire fraud, and related financial crimes.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the extradition was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja after the completion of extradition proceedings and collaboration between Nigerian and American law enforcement agencies.
Police investigations revealed that the suspect, who was based in South Africa before his arrest, allegedly operated a criminal syndicate between 2014 and 2018 that targeted women in the United States, particularly within the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The syndicate was said to have created fake online identities and dating profiles to establish emotional relationships with victims before deceiving them into sending large sums of money through fabricated emergencies and false claims.
Investigators further disclosed that proceeds from the alleged fraud were laundered through several bank accounts used to receive, process, and conceal illicit funds. In one of the cases, Ugberease was linked to the alleged defrauding of a victim of more than $1.5 million.
The suspect was initially arrested by INTERPOL operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on December 14, 2025, shortly after arriving from South Africa. His arrest followed an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by authorities in the United States.
Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were instituted at the Federal High Court, which approved the application for his extradition in line with the provisions of the Extradition Act, CAP E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to combating cybercrime, financial fraud, and other transnational organised crimes through intelligence-led policing, international cooperation, and the use of INTERPOL tools.
