Nigeria Extradites Alleged $1.5m Romance Scam Suspect To US
As cybercrime continues to attract global scrutiny, the Nigeria Police Force has extradited a suspected international fraudster to the United States over an alleged multi-million-dollar online romance scam targeting American women.
The suspect, Samuel Ugberease, popularly known as “Putsammy”, “Putput”, and “Sammy”, was extradited on May 14, 2026, through the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja.
Police investigations revealed that between 2014 and 2018, the suspect and members of his syndicate allegedly operated online romance scams targeting victims in the United States, especially in North Carolina.
The group reportedly used fake identities and dating profiles to deceive victims into sending money through fabricated emotional stories and false emergencies.
Authorities said the suspect was linked to the laundering of fraudulent proceeds through several bank accounts, including a case involving over $1.5 million stolen from a victim.
Ugberease was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in December 2025 after arriving from South Africa, following an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by US authorities.
A Federal High Court in Lagos later approved his extradition in line with Nigeria’s extradition laws.
The Police said the development reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation against cybercrime, financial fraud, and transnational organised crime.
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