The Nigerian government has extradited alleged cybercrime suspect, Samuel Ugberease, popularly known as “Putsammy” and “Putput,” to the United States over his alleged involvement in a $1.5 million romance and wire fraud scheme.
Ugberease is accused of masterminding an international online fraud syndicate that allegedly targeted and defrauded several victims in the United States through fake romantic relationships.
According to the Nigeria Police Force, the extradition was carried out through a joint operation between the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja and United States law enforcement agencies, which had been investigating the suspect’s alleged online fraudulent activities.
Police said investigations revealed that between 2014 and 2018, Ugberease and members of his syndicate allegedly created fake identities and online dating profiles to deceive women in the US into fraudulent financial transactions.
Authorities disclosed that one of the victims reportedly lost more than $1.5 million to the scheme.
“The extradition underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to intensify the fight against cybercrime and strengthen collaboration with international law enforcement agencies in combating transnational financial fraud,” the police said.
The suspect was arrested in December 2025 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, following an INTERPOL Red Notice issued at the request of American authorities.
Following his arrest, the Federal High Court in Lagos granted an application for his extradition in line with Nigeria’s extradition laws, paving the way for his transfer to the United States to face prosecution.
The police further stressed that sustained cooperation between Nigerian authorities and foreign security agencies remained crucial in dismantling organised cybercrime networks operating across borders.
