Nigerian Police Extradite Romance Scam Suspect to U.S.

Samuel Ugbere, known as "Putsammi," was extradited from Nigeria to the United States on May 14, 2026, following a coordinated effort between Nigerian and U.S. law enforcement authorities. He faces charges of wire fraud related to an online romance scam that defrauded female victims in the Eastern District of North Carolina between 2014 and 2018.

Ugbere and his accomplices created fake online identities and dating profiles to establish fraudulent emotional relationships with victims, manipulating them into sending large sums of money under false pretenses. The investigation revealed that the criminal syndicate laundered illicit funds through multiple bank accounts in the U.S., with Ugbere allegedly defrauding victims of approximately $1.5 million.

His arrest occurred at Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos on December 14, 2025, following an Interpol red notice. The Federal High Court Lagos granted the extradition application in accordance with the Extradition Act of Nigeria.