The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a suspected cyber fraudster, Samuel Ugberease, popularly known by the aliases “Putsammy,” “Putput,” and “Sammy,” to the United States over allegations of online romance scams, wire fraud, and other financial crimes.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the police, the suspect was handed over to United States authorities on Wednesday after the completion of extradition proceedings and joint coordination between Nigerian and American law enforcement agencies.
Investigators said Ugberease allegedly belonged to a criminal network that operated between 2014 and 2018, targeting women in the United States, especially residents of the Eastern District of North Carolina, through fake online relationships.
The syndicate was accused of creating false identities and fraudulent dating profiles to deceive victims into emotional relationships before convincing them to send huge amounts of money over fabricated emergencies and false claims.
Police investigations further revealed that proceeds from the alleged fraud were moved through several bank accounts in an attempt to conceal the origin of the funds.
Authorities linked the suspect to one case involving the alleged defrauding of a victim of more than $1.5 million.
The Nigeria Police disclosed that Ugberease was first arrested by operatives of INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos 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 initiated at the Federal High Court in Lagos, where the court approved his transfer to the US in line with the provisions of the Extradition Act, CAP E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Placid said the Nigeria Police remained committed to strengthening international partnerships and deploying intelligence-driven policing to tackle cybercrime and transnational organised crimes.
He also assured both local and foreign partners of the Force’s continued cooperation in promoting global security efforts.