INTERPOL Extradites Nigerian Fraudster to U.S. Authorities

INTERPOL has handed over Nigerian fraud suspect Putsammi Putput Sammi to U.S. authorities in connection with a $1.5 million online romance scam. The extradition process was concluded by the Nigerian National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, following the arrest of Sammi on December 14, 2025, in South Africa.

The arrest was made under an INTERPOL red notice issued by U.S. authorities. Investigations revealed that from 2014 to 2018, Sammi and accomplices operated a criminal syndicate that targeted female victims in the Eastern District of North Carolina, creating fake online identities to establish fraudulent emotional relationships.

Victims were manipulated into sending money under false pretenses, with the proceeds laundered through multiple bank accounts in the U.S. The Federal High Court in Nigeria granted the extradition application in line with the provisions of the Extradition Act, allowing Sammi to be committed to U.S. authorities.