INTERPOL Extradites Nigerian ‘Yahoo Boy’ to US Over $1.5m Romance Scam

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the extradition of a suspected cybercriminal, Samuel Ugberease, also known as “Putsammy,” “Putput,” and “Sammy,” to the United States over alleged involvement in online romance scams, wire fraud, and money laundering activities.

The extradition was carried out on May 14, 2026, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, following the conclusion of coordinated legal and diplomatic proceedings between Nigerian authorities and the United States.

According to the Police, the suspect had been under investigation for years in connection with a transnational cybercrime syndicate accused of targeting victims in the United States through sophisticated online fraud schemes.

Investigators alleged that between 2014 and 2018, Ugberease and his accomplices ran an organised network involved in online romance scams and internet fraud schemes. The group reportedly created fake online identities and dating profiles to lure victims, mostly in the United States Eastern District of North Carolina, into emotional relationships. Once trust was established, victims were allegedly manipulated into sending money under false pretences, including fabricated emergencies and financial distress.

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Authorities also said the proceeds of the fraud were moved through multiple bank accounts as part of a wider money laundering network designed to conceal the source of illicit funds.

In one of the major cases linked to the syndicate, investigators alleged that a victim was defrauded of over $1.5 million through the scheme, highlighting the scale of the operation.

The suspect was arrested by INTERPOL operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on December 14, 2025, after arriving from South Africa. His arrest followed an INTERPOL Red Notice issued at the request of U.S. authorities, which triggered coordinated surveillance and intelligence sharing between international law enforcement agencies.

Following his arrest, extradition proceedings were filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, which approved his transfer to the United States in accordance with Nigeria’s Extradition Act. The court ruling cleared the way for his formal handover to U.S. authorities to face prosecution over charges related to cyber fraud, romance scams, and financial crimes.

The Nigeria Police Force said the extradition underscores its commitment to fighting cybercrime in Nigeria, strengthening international partnerships, and supporting global efforts against transnational organised crime. Officials noted that cooperation with INTERPOL and foreign law enforcement agencies remains key to dismantling cross-border fraud networks operating through digital platforms.

INTERPOL Extradites Nigerian ‘Yahoo Boy’ to US Over $1.5m Romance Scam

Frank Edoho Divorce Saga Deepens as Estranged Wife Shares Shocking Claims

Sandra Onyenucheya, the estranged wife of popular Nigerian TV host Frank Edoho, has publicly opened up on the controversies surrounding the collapse of their marriage, making several startling allegations against the veteran broadcaster.

The interior designer and entrepreneur broke her silence in a lengthy statement shared on Instagram amid growing online conversations about her failed marriage and rumours linking her romantically with Nigerian singer Chike.

In the emotional post, Sandra accused Frank Edoho of serial infidelity, emotional manipulation and neglect throughout their marriage. According to her, remaining silent for years had allowed false narratives to spread online, portraying the television personality as the victim.

“Choosing to remain silent may give mixed signals to the narrative that a sadist and narcissist peddles, making everyone believe he is a victim,” she wrote.

Sandra claimed she remained faithful and committed to the marriage while raising their children and simultaneously building her successful interior design business. However, she alleged that Frank Edoho was involved with several women during their relationship, including actresses, media personalities and former reality TV stars.

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The businesswoman specifically alleged that the former Who Wants To Be A Millionaire host had a prolonged affair with actress Mbong Amata while she was pregnant with their first child together.

She further recounted emotional moments in the marriage, alleging that she spent several nights crying and pleading for attention while Frank allegedly stayed away from home for days.

According to Sandra, the TV host also pressured her to terminate one of her pregnancies because he was allegedly involved in multiple affairs and not prepared for fatherhood at the time.

The estranged wife also made financial allegations against Frank Edoho, claiming she handled most of the family’s expenses, including vacations, school fees, accommodation bills and support for some of his relatives.

Sandra additionally alleged that Frank sold some of her belongings without her consent and mismanaged funds belonging to her.

Addressing rumours linking her with singer Chike, Sandra neither confirmed nor denied having a romantic relationship with the musician. However, she maintained that she is now separated and legally free to associate with anyone she chooses.

“As an adult woman, I am free to be friends with and date whomever I please,” she stated.

The controversy intensified after an alleged leaked audio conversation involving Sandra and Chike surfaced online, sparking widespread reactions across social media platforms. Neither Sandra nor Chike has officially confirmed the authenticity of the recording.

Frank Edoho had earlier disclosed publicly that he and Sandra had been separated for nearly two years and were currently undergoing divorce proceedings.

As of the time of filing this report, both Frank Edoho and Chike have yet to officially respond to Sandra’s latest allegations.

Frank Edoho Divorce Saga Deepens as Estranged Wife Shares Shocking Claims

Chidiebere Bail Hearing Stalls as Lawyers Clash Over Lead Counsel in Court

The bail hearing of Nigerian activist, Justice Chidiebere, was on Thursday stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja after a dispute broke out within his defence team over who should take the lead in his legal representation. The disagreement led to the withdrawal of an earlier bail application already filed on his behalf, forcing the court to strike out the motion and adjourn proceedings to Monday, May 18, for the hearing of a fresh bail application.

According to proceedings in court, the tension began when senior defence counsel, Femi Balogun, and another lawyer on the team, Marshall Abubakar, disagreed over leadership of the defence. Balogun told journalists after the sitting that he was mandated by the defendant’s family to take over the case due to his seniority at the bar, arguing that proper legal hierarchy should be observed in court representation. He alleged that Abubakar, who initially filed the bail application, insisted on leading the defence despite the presence of senior counsel, creating friction within the legal team.

Balogun further claimed that Abubakar later moved to withdraw the bail application after he was prevented from continuing as lead counsel, describing the move as unnecessary and detrimental to the defendant’s liberty. He said, “I was directed by the family to lead in respect of the matter for today. Marshall, in his vindictive way, applied to strike out the bail application… which is unfair.” He maintained that internal disagreements among lawyers should not be allowed to affect a defendant’s right to bail or delay judicial proceedings.

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Following the withdrawal request, the court struck out the existing bail application and directed that a fresh motion be filed immediately. The matter was then adjourned to May 18 for hearing. Balogun confirmed that a new bail application would be submitted before the next sitting.

The defence counsel also disclosed that the prosecution of the case has now been taken over by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, from the Department of State Services (DSS), although no objection was raised during Thursday’s proceedings.

Court records indicate that Justice Chidiebere was previously remanded in custody over allegations linked to a viral video in which he allegedly criticised aspects of the Nigerian Army’s feeding arrangements. He is facing charges under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which has been used in several recent cyber-related prosecutions.

The case has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with supporters arguing that the charges reflect concerns over freedom of expression, while authorities maintain that the prosecution is based strictly on existing cybercrime legislation. Legal analysts say the latest courtroom disruption underscores how internal disagreements within defence teams can sometimes delay proceedings, especially in politically sensitive or high-profile cases. The matter is expected to return to court on May 18, where a fresh bail application will be heard as the legal battle continues.

Chidiebere Bail Hearing Stalls as Lawyers Clash Over Lead Counsel in Court