Nigeria Hands Over Alleged $1.5m Romance Scam Kingpin to US Authorities
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
In a major breakthrough against transnational cybercrime, the Nigeria Police Force has extradited a wanted cyber fraud suspect to the United States to face prosecution over an alleged multi-million-dollar romance scam.
This was disclosed in a press release issued from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid.
The suspect, identified as Samuel Ugberease, also known by aliases “Putsammy,” “Putput,” and “Sammy,” was extradited on May 14, 2026, following the conclusion of legal proceedings and coordinated efforts between Nigerian and U.S. law enforcement agencies.
According to the police, Ugberease was implicated in a cybercrime syndicate that operated between 2014 and 2018, targeting victims in the United States through elaborate online romance scams.
Investigations revealed that the group created fake identities and dating profiles to establish emotional relationships with victims before manipulating them into sending large sums of money under false pretences.
“The syndicate used deceptive online platforms to build trust with victims and subsequently defraud them through fabricated emergencies and false claims,” the statement said.
Authorities disclosed that proceeds from the fraud were laundered through multiple bank accounts to conceal illicit funds.
“In one of the cases, the suspect was linked to defrauding a victim of over $1.5 million,” the police added.
The suspect was initially arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on December 14, 2025, upon arrival from South Africa, following an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by U.S. authorities.
His extradition was approved by the Federal High Court in Lagos in line with Nigeria’s Extradition Act.
“The extradition followed the conclusion of all legal processes and reflects the strong collaboration between Nigerian and United States law enforcement agencies,” the statement noted.
The Nigeria Police reaffirmed its commitment to combating cybercrime and strengthening international cooperation through intelligence-led policing and the use of INTERPOL tools.
The Force also assured both local and global partners of its continued resolve to tackle financial crimes and other forms of transnational organised criminal activities.
