The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully extradited Samuel Ugberease, an alleged online romance scammer, to the United States to face federal charges including wire fraud and money laundering.
The extradition, which took place on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, marks the conclusion of a coordinated international effort between the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja and United States law enforcement authorities.
Background of the Syndicate
According to Force Spokesman Anthony Placid, Ugberease—who operated under the aliases “Putsammy,” “Putput,” and “Sammy”—was a key figure in a criminal syndicate active between 2014 and 2018. The group primarily targeted women in the United States, specifically within the Eastern District of North Carolina.
The syndicate's operations involved:
Identity Fraud: Creating sophisticated fake online personas and dating profiles.
Emotional Manipulation: Establishing fraudulent romantic relationships to gain victim trust.
Financial Exploitation: Coercing victims into sending significant sums of money by fabricating personal emergencies.
Financial Impact and Arrest
Investigations revealed that the illicit proceeds were laundered through a complex network of bank accounts designed to conceal the origin of the funds. In one notable instance, Ugberease is linked to the defrauding of a single victim of more than $1.5 million.
The suspect, who had been based in South Africa, was apprehended by INTERPOL operatives on December 14, 2025, at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. The arrest was executed following an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by U.S. authorities.
Judicial Proceedings
Following his arrest, the Federal High Court in Lagos presided over the extradition proceedings. The court granted the application for his transfer under the Extradition Act, Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
"The successful extradition of the suspect underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to global security partnerships and the relentless pursuit of transnational organized crime," stated Placid.
Ugberease is now expected to stand trial in the United States to answer for his alleged role in the multi-million dollar scheme.