The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a suspected online romance fraudster, Samuel Ugberease, popularly known as “Putsammy,” “Putput,” and “Sammy,” to the United States to face charges related to wire fraud and other financial crimes.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the extradition followed the completion of legal proceedings and coordinated efforts between Nigerian authorities and their United States counterparts.
Investigations revealed that Ugberease allegedly operated a sophisticated romance scam network between 2014 and 2018. The syndicate reportedly targeted female victims in the United States, particularly within the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The group was said to have created fake online identities and dating profiles to build emotional relationships with victims.
These relationships were then exploited to manipulate victims into sending large sums of money under false pretenses, often involving fabricated emergencies.
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Police findings further indicated that the proceeds of the fraudulent activities were laundered through multiple bank accounts used to receive, process, and conceal illicit funds.
In one documented case, the suspect was linked to defrauding a victim of over $1.5 million.
Ugberease was initially arrested on December 14, 2025, by INTERPOL operatives at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos upon his arrival from South Africa. His arrest followed an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by US authorities.
Subsequently, extradition proceedings were initiated at the Federal High Court in Lagos, which approved his transfer in accordance with Nigeria’s Extradition Act.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to international collaboration in combating transnational crimes and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
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