Nigerian police extradite romance scam suspect to US over $1.5m fraud
Samuel Ugberease, also known as “Putsammy”, “Putput”, and “Sammy”, has been extradited from Nigeria to the United States to face charges related to an alleged online romance scam. The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with United States authorities, coordinated the extradition after concluding legal proceedings. Investigations revealed that Ugberease and his accomplices operated a syndicate targeting female victims in the US, using fake online identities to defraud them. The suspect is accused of laundering proceeds through multiple bank accounts and allegedly defrauding one victim of over $1.5 million.
What happened
- Samuel Ugberease was extradited to the United States to face charges of wire fraud, romance scam, and related financial crimes.
- The extradition took place on Wednesday, 14th May 2026, after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
- Investigations revealed the criminal syndicate operated between 2014 and 2018, targeting female victims in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
- The suspect was initially arrested at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on 14th December 2025, following an INTERPOL Red Notice.
- In one case, Ugberease allegedly defrauded a victim of over $1.5 million, with proceeds laundered through multiple bank accounts.
