Nigerian Professor Nkechy Ezeh Jailed 70 Months in US for $1.4m Fraud

A Nigerian professor, Dr Nkechy Ezeh, has been sentenced to 70 months in prison by a US federal court for orchestrating a $1.4 million fraud scheme involving taxpayer and donor funds meant for vulnerable preschool children. This sentence was delivered by Chief US District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou.

Dr Nkechy Ezeh, 61, of Kent County, Michigan, was the founder and former CEO of Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative, a West Michigan nonprofit that provided early childhood services in underserved communities. She's also a former Associate Professor of Education and Director of Early Childhood Education Program at Aquinas College.

During the proceedings, Judge Jarbou described Ezeh as “a fraud and a thief,” adding that the scheme was “brazen and widespread,” and involved funds intended for some of the region’s most vulnerable children. US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Timothy VerHey, said Ezeh diverted money meant for low-income children for personal use.

“Nkechy Ezeh’s greed is beyond reprehensible. She stole taxpayer and private-donor dollars meant for low-income children in our community. Instead of helping kids, she spent that money on herself.”

The nonprofit, ELNC, was funded by US federal programmes, including Head Start, the Department of Education, and private donors. It provided meals, transport, and support services to children in low-income communities. The nonprofit shut down in 2023, leading to the loss of funding for several preschools. This shutdown resulted in the layoff of 35 employees.

According to court filings, Ezeh used stolen funds to finance personal expenses. These expenses included travel to Hawaii, Europe, and Africa, as well as a family wedding. Prosecutors also said she placed relatives on a “ghost payroll,” enabling them to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars for little or no work. She was further accused of using intermediaries to transfer stolen funds to family members in Nigeria.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler prosecuted the case. A former bookkeeper at the organisation, Sharon Killebrew, who was identified as a co-conspirator, was earlier sentenced to 54 months in prison for her role in the scheme.

The case highlights the abuse of federal grants and its impact on vulnerable communities, particularly children in low-income neighbourhoods. The US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Timothy VerHey, noted that the stolen money could have supported hundreds of West Michigan children and their families. Judge Jarbou's sentence was perfectly appropriate, considering the severity of the crime and its impact on the community.

Ezeh was immediately remanded into federal custody after sentencing. She was also ordered to pay $1.4 million in restitution and $390,174 to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The sentence and fines reflect the seriousness of the crime. They also reflect the need to hold individuals accountable for their actions, especially when it involves the exploitation of vulnerable populations.