Over $1.5m Fraud: Police extradite wanted suspect to US

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

The suspect, who was based in South Africa prior to his arrest, was extradited on May 14, 2026, a statement by the police said.

The statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer and a Deputy Superintendent of Police, DCP Anthony Placid, said this followed the conclusion of extradition proceedings and coordinated engagements between Nigerian and the United States law enforcement authorities.

Investigations revealed that between 2014 and 2018, Ugberease and his accomplices operated a criminal syndicate involved in online romance scams targeting female victims in the United States, particularly within the Eastern District of North Carolina.

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

Further investigations established that proceeds of the fraud were laundered through multiple bank accounts used to receive, process, and conceal illicit funds.

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

The fugitive was initially arrested by operatives of the INTERPOL NCB, Abuja at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on December 14, 2025 upon his arrival from South Africa.

This followed a INTERPOL Red Notice issued by authorities in the United States.

Subsequently, extradition proceedings were instituted at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, where the court granted the application for his extradition in accordance with the provisions of the Extradition Act, CAP E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to leveraging INTERPOL tools, international partnerships, and intelligence-led policing to combat cybercrime, financial fraud, and other transnational organised criminal activities.

It also assured both local and international partners of its continued cooperation in advancing global security.

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