Police Extradite Suspected ‘Yahoo Boy’ to US Over $1.5m Romance Fraud

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a suspected cyber fraudster, popularly referred to in local parlance as “Yahoo Boy,” to the United States to face charges linked to online romance scams and financial crimes.

The suspect, Samuel Ugberease, also known by aliases including “Putsammy,” “Putput,” and “Sammy,” was handed over to American authorities on Wednesday following the completion of extradition proceedings in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters Abuja, DCP Anthony Placid.

According to the police, the extradition was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja in collaboration with law enforcement authorities in the United States.

Investigators said the suspect had been residing in South Africa before his arrest and was wanted for alleged involvement in an international cyber fraud syndicate operating between 2014 and 2018.

The police explained that the group specialised in online romance scams targeting women in the United States, particularly in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The scheme, commonly associated with cyber fraud popularly known as “Yahoo Boy,” involved the creation of fake online identities and fraudulent dating profiles used to deceive victims into emotional relationships before requesting money under false pretences.

According to the statement, victims were manipulated into sending large sums through fabricated emergencies and other deceptive tactics.

Further investigations reportedly revealed that proceeds from the fraud were laundered through multiple bank accounts used to conceal the movement of illicit funds.

“In one of the reported cases, the suspect was linked to the defrauding of a victim of over One Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars ($1.5 million USD),” the statement said.

Police said Ugberease was first arrested by INTERPOL operatives at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on December 14, 2025, shortly after arriving from South Africa.

His arrest followed an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by authorities in the United States.

Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were initiated before the Federal High Court in Lagos, which subsequently granted the request for his transfer to the US in line with the provisions of Nigeria’s Extradition Act.

The Force said the extradition reflected ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation against cybercrime and transnational financial fraud.

“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to leveraging INTERPOL tools, international partnerships, and intelligence-led policing to combat cybercrime, financial fraud, and other transnational organised criminal activities,” the statement added.

The police also assured both local and international partners of continued collaboration in tackling organised criminal networks operating across borders.