Friday, May 15, 2026 - The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has successfully extradited one Samuel Ugberease, also known as “Putsammy”, “Putput”, and “Sammy”, to the United States of America to face charges bordering on online romance scam, wire fraud, and related financial crimes.
A statement from DCP Anthony Placid, spokesperson of the
police, says the suspect, who was based in South Africa prior to his arrest,
was extradited on Wednesday, 14th May 2026, following the conclusion of
extradition proceedings and coordinated engagements between Nigerian and United
States law enforcement authorities.
Placid said investigations revealed that between 2014 and
2018, the suspect and his accomplices operated a criminal syndicate involved in
online romance scams targeting female victims in the United States,
particularly within the Eastern District of North Carolina. The syndicate
reportedly created fake online identities and dating profiles to establish
fraudulent emotional relationships with victims before manipulating them into
sending large sums of money under false pretences and fabricated emergencies.
He said further investigations established that proceeds of
the fraud were laundered through multiple bank accounts used to receive,
process, and conceal illicit funds. In one of the reported cases, the suspect
was linked to the defrauding of a victim of over One Million Five Hundred
Thousand United States Dollars ($1.5 million USD).
‘’The
fugitive was initially arrested by operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja at the
Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on 14th December 2025 upon his
arrival from South Africa, following a INTERPOL Red Notice issued by
authorities in the United States. Subsequently, extradition proceedings were
instituted at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, where the Court
granted the application for his extradition in accordance with the provisions
of the Extradition Act, CAP E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.''
Placid said
He concluded by saying the Nigeria Police Force reiterates
its commitment to leveraging INTERPOL tools, international partnerships, and
intelligence-led policing to combat cybercrime, financial fraud, and other
transnational organised criminal activities, while assuring both local and
international partners of its continued cooperation in advancing global
security.
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