ALLEGED ROMANCE SCAMMER EXTRADITED FROM NIGERIA TO US OVER $1.5M FRAUD CASE

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Nigeria Police Force has extradited an alleged online romance scam suspect, Samuel Ugberease, to the United States to face charges related to wire fraud, romance scams, and other financial crimes.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the suspect was extradited on Wednesday after the conclusion of legal proceedings and cooperation between Nigerian and US law enforcement agencies.

Police investigations revealed that between 2014 and 2018, Ugberease and his alleged accomplices operated a criminal syndicate that targeted women in the US, particularly in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The group allegedly used fake online identities and dating profiles to build emotional relationships with victims before deceiving them into sending money through fabricated emergencies and false claims.

Authorities said the proceeds were allegedly laundered through several bank accounts used to receive and conceal illicit funds. In one reported case, the suspect was linked to the alleged fraud of more than $1.5 million.

The police disclosed that Ugberease was initially arrested by INTERPOL operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on December 14, 2025, after arriving from South Africa. His arrest followed an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by US authorities.

Following extradition proceedings at the Federal High Court, the court approved his extradition in line with Nigeria’s Extradition Act.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to working with international partners in tackling transnational crimes and advancing global security efforts.