The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a suspected cyber fraudster, Samuel Ugberease, popularly known as “Putsammy” and “Putput,” to the United States over allegations of online romance scams and wire fraud.
According to a statement issued by the Police, the extradition followed coordinated investigations involving INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja and law enforcement authorities in the United States. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation against cybercrime.
Investigators alleged that between 2014 and 2018, the suspect and members of his syndicate operated fraudulent online dating schemes targeting women in the United States. The group was said to have used fake identities and deceptive romantic relationships to obtain large sums of money from victims.
Police authorities disclosed that one of the victims reportedly lost more than 1.5 million dollars to the fraud network. The suspect was accused of participating in several wire fraud and identity theft-related activities linked to the scheme.
Samuel Ugberease was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos in December 2025 after an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued at the request of U.S. authorities. Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were initiated before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The court subsequently approved his extradition in accordance with Nigeria’s extradition laws, paving the way for his transfer to the United States for prosecution. The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to combating cybercrime and enhancing global security partnerships aimed at tackling transnational crimes.
