Nigerian-Born Professor Sentenced for $1.4m Fraud Against US Preschool Programme

In a US federal court, Nigerian-born Prof. Nkechy Ezeh received a 70-month prison term after being convicted of stealing $1.4 million in government and donor funds meant for vulnerable preschool children in West Michigan. She was also ordered to repay the full amount plus $390,174 to the IRS. Judge Hala Y. Jarbou condemned Ezeh’s “brazen and widespread” theft, which included ghost-payroll payouts and luxury expenses like travel and a family member’s wedding. The scheme, carried out with the nonprofit’s bookkeeper, forced the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative to shut down in 2023, cutting off services for thousands of low-income children. Investigators from the HHS Office of Inspector General and IRS-Criminal Investigation traced diverted funds and money-mule transfers to Nigeria. US Attorney Timothy VerHey called the offence “beyond reprehensible,” highlighting the profound impact on underprivileged families.

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