The Nigeria Police Force has extradited an alleged cyber fraud suspect, Samuel Ugberease, to the United States over accusations linked to online romance scams and wire fraud involving more than $1.5 million.

Police said Ugberease, also known by aliases including “Putsammy”, “Putput”, and “Sammy”, was handed over to US authorities on Wednesday, 14 May 2026, after the completion of extradition proceedings in Nigeria.

According to the police, the suspect had been living in South Africa before his arrest in Lagos in December 2025.

How the alleged scam operated

Investigators said the suspect and his accomplices allegedly operated an online fraud syndicate between 2014 and 2018, targeting women in the US through fake dating profiles and emotional manipulation schemes.

The alleged victims were reportedly deceived into sending large amounts of money under false claims, including fabricated emergencies and relationship-related requests.

Authorities said the fraud network mainly targeted victims in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Police investigators also alleged that proceeds from the scams were moved through several bank accounts to conceal the origin of the funds.

In one case highlighted by investigators, the suspect was allegedly linked to the defrauding of a victim of more than $1.5 million.

“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to leveraging INTERPOL tools, international partnerships, and intelligence-led policing to combat cybercrime,” the Force said in a statement.

Arrest at Lagos airport

The suspect was arrested by officers attached to the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on 14 December 2025.

Police said the arrest followed an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by US authorities.

The extradition process was later approved by the Federal High Court in Lagos under Nigeria’s Extradition Act.

Why the case matters

The case highlights growing international pressure on law enforcement agencies to tackle cyber-enabled financial crimes, particularly romance scams that increasingly target vulnerable internet users worldwide.

Cybersecurity analysts say romance fraud remains one of the most financially damaging online crimes globally because it combines emotional manipulation with financial deception.

Experts also note that cross-border cooperation between agencies such as INTERPOL and national police forces has become critical in tracking suspects who move across multiple countries.

For Nigeria, the extradition may also be viewed as part of broader efforts to improve international confidence in the country’s anti-cybercrime enforcement systems.

Industry and public reaction

Anti-fraud advocates have repeatedly warned social media and dating app users to verify identities before sending money online.

Financial crime experts say criminals increasingly exploit emotional trust built through online relationships, making romance scams difficult to detect in early stages.

Some observers believe the case could encourage stronger collaboration between Nigerian authorities and international partners in combating transnational organised crime.

What happens next?

US prosecutors are expected to proceed with criminal charges relating to wire fraud, online romance scams, and financial crimes.

If convicted in the United States, the suspect could face significant prison time and financial penalties under US federal law.

The Nigeria Police Force said it would continue working with international partners to tackle cybercrime and financial fraud networks operating across borders.

Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, says it has intercepted a shipment of high-potency cannabis worth more than N10.4bn at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos, in what officials describe as one of the country’s largest recent drug seizures.

The agency said operatives recovered 4,173.5 kilograms of “Canadian Loud”, a synthetic strain of cannabis, hidden inside imported vehicles packed in a shipping container that arrived from Canada through Morocco.

Officials said the shipment had an estimated street value of N10,433,750,000.

Why the seizure matters

The interception highlights growing concerns among Nigerian authorities over international drug trafficking networks using the country’s ports to smuggle synthetic narcotics into the local market.

According to the NDLEA, the container left Toronto, Canada, on 28 March before being moved by rail to Montreal and later shipped through Morocco to Lagos.

The agency said the operation followed more than two months of intelligence gathering and surveillance involving local and international security partners.

The seizure also comes days after another major operation in Lagos, where NDLEA officers raided a mansion in Lekki allegedly used as a drug stash house and recovered 2,326 kilograms of the same substance valued at over N5.8bn.

International cooperation behind operation

NDLEA said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and international partners including the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the UK Home Office International Operations, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The drugs were reportedly concealed inside a used Ford bus and a Mercedes-Benz C300 vehicle shipped within the container.

Speaking during the handover of the seized items in Lagos on Wednesday, NDLEA Director of Seaports Operations, ACG Ibinabo ArchieAbia, said the operation demonstrated the value of intelligence-sharing and inter-agency cooperation.

“The achievement once again demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation, international collaboration, and intelligence-driven operations in combating transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking.”

Marwa warns international drug syndicates

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, praised officers involved in the operation and warned international trafficking groups targeting Nigeria.

He said the recent seizures suggested a coordinated attempt to flood the Nigerian market with synthetic cannabis products.

“This second massive seizure in less than a week is a clear message to the international syndicates who think they can use our ports as entry points for their soul-destroying trade, that the synergy between NDLEA and Customs Service as well as other security agencies and our international partners like the Canadian Royal Mounted Police, the UK-HOIO and the US DEA is yielding fantastic results.”

“We will not rest until every link in this supply chain is broken and those behind these shipments are brought to justice,” Marwa added.

Growing concerns over synthetic cannabis

Security analysts and public health advocates have repeatedly warned about the rise in synthetic cannabis use among young people in Nigeria, particularly in urban centres.

Experts say the substances are often more potent than natural cannabis and can pose serious mental and physical health risks.

The latest seizure is likely to renew debate about border security, port surveillance, and the increasing sophistication of transnational drug trafficking operations targeting West Africa.

What happens next?

NDLEA officials say investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those linked to the shipment.

Authorities are also expected to intensify monitoring at Nigeria’s seaports following the back-to-back interceptions.

The agency says it will continue working with international partners to dismantle drug supply networks operating across multiple countries.

The Oyo State Police Command says it rescued a United States-based medical doctor from an attempted lynching in Ibadan after false kidnapping allegations triggered mob violence and the burning of his vehicle.

Police said the incident happened around 2:30pm on Monday in the 2nd Powerline Area along the Ologuneru, Eleyele–Ido Road axis of Ibadan.

According to the Command, officers responded to distress calls reporting that a suspected kidnapper was about to be set ablaze by an angry crowd.

When officers arrived at the scene, they rescued the victim, identified as Dr Afolabi, from the mob. However, his Lexus RX 330 SUV had already been burnt.

Two girls, identified as Deborah, 15, and Rebecca, 12, who were inside the vehicle, were also taken into protective custody for investigation.

Police Say Doctor Was Falsely Accused

The police said preliminary investigations showed that Dr Afolabi is a medical doctor based in the United States and not a kidnapper, contrary to claims circulating on social media.

Investigators said the girls had been legally handed over by a woman identified as Mrs Idowu Abimbola, 56, for delivery to the doctor’s mother to assist with household chores.

Police added that Mrs Abimbola later appeared at the station and confirmed the arrangement, while the girls also corroborated the account.

Authorities said the misunderstanding began after security personnel at a Polytechnic gate stopped the vehicle for a routine check.

According to the police, suspicion grew after the girls were allegedly seen half-naked inside the vehicle and Dr Afolabi reportedly failed to provide satisfactory answers at the checkpoint.

The situation escalated when he turned away from the gate, prompting bystanders to suspect an attempted abduction.

Police said the girls were also unable to communicate effectively in English or the local language, further fueling the alarm.

The doctor was later chased, beaten and severely injured by a mob before police officers intervened.

He is currently receiving medical treatment.

Commissioner Condemns Jungle Justice

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, condemned the attack and warned residents against spreading unverified information online.

He described mob action and misinformation as threats capable of undermining security gains in the state.

The police commissioner also ordered a full investigation and directed officers to identify and prosecute those involved in the attack and destruction of property.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that false social media claims and mob justice incidents continue to endanger innocent people across Nigeria, especially in areas where public distrust and fear of kidnapping remain high.

Three Arrested As Police Recover Locally Made Pistol

In a separate operation, the Oyo State Police Command said officers arrested three suspects and recovered a locally fabricated pistol during an intelligence-led stop-and-search exercise in Fiditi.

The incident happened around 4:50am on 11 May along Old Oyo Road near the American International School in Bethel, Fiditi.

Police said operatives attached to the Restore Peace Unit intercepted a commercial bus during a routine operations.

During the search, officers reportedly observed suspicious behaviour from three passengers who attempted to flee.

The suspects were later arrested after a chase.

Police identified them as Kilani Abbas, 31, from Onaara-Amoloko; Toheed Adediwura, 38, from Kolobo Area, Oyo; and Ibrahim Rafiu, 40, from Sanga Area, Oyo.

Investigators said a locally fabricated pistol and assorted charms were recovered from a nylon bag allegedly linked to the suspects.

Why It Matters

The two incidents highlight growing concerns over public distrust, mob justice, and illegal weapons circulation in parts of Nigeria.

Security experts say while intelligence-led stop-and-search operations remain controversial in some communities, they continue to play a role in intercepting illegal firearms and preventing violent crimes.

At the same time, rights advocates warn that false accusations amplified on social media can quickly escalate into deadly violence.

The Oyo Police Command urged residents to report suspicious activities through official channels instead of taking the law into their own hands.

What’s Next?

Police say investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

Authorities are working to identify individuals involved in the mob attack on the doctor, while detectives are also investigating the source and intended use of the recovered firearm.

The Command said it would continue intelligence-driven policing, visibility patrols, and strategic stop-and-search operations across the state.