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The Nigeria Police Force has extradited Samuel Ugberease, alias “Putsammy”, “Putput” and “Sammy”, to the United States to face charges of online romance scam, wire fraud, and related financial crimes, the force said on Wednesday.
Image maker Nigeria Police ,Anthony Placid said in a statement that the suspect was handed over on 14 May 2026 by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja following the conclusion of extradition proceedings and coordinated action with US law enforcement.
Ugberease, who was based in South Africa before his arrest, was picked up at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on 14 December 2025 on arrival from South Africa, acting on an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by US authorities.
Investigations showed that between 2014 and 2018, Ugberease and accomplices ran a syndicate that created fake online identities and dating profiles to target women in the US, particularly in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Victims were manipulated into sending large sums under false pretences and fabricated emergencies, with proceeds laundered through multiple bank accounts. Police said one victim was defrauded of over $1.5 million.
Extradition proceedings were heard at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, where the court granted the application under the Extradition Act, CAP E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to use INTERPOL tools, international partnerships, and intelligence-led policing to tackle cybercrime and transnational fraud. “We assure both local and international partners of our continued cooperation in advancing global security,” said Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Placid.
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