Nigeria Extradites Cyber Fraud Suspect to the U.S.

The Nigeria Police Force successfully extradited Samuel Ugbere, also known as "PutSammi," to the United States on December 14, 2025. Ugbere, who was based in South Africa prior to his arrest, faces charges related to online romance scams and wire fraud.

According to a statement from Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid, Ugbere was part of a criminal syndicate that operated between 2014 and 2018, targeting female victims in the United States, particularly in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The syndicate reportedly created fake online identities and profiles to establish fraudulent emotional relationships with victims, manipulating them into sending large sums of money under false pretenses.

Investigations revealed that Ugbere laundered illicit funds through multiple bank accounts in the U.S., with the total amount defrauded estimated at $1.5 million. His extradition was facilitated by Interpol and granted by the Federal High Court in Lagos under the Extradition Act of Nigeria.