US court jails Nigerian-born professor over 5 years for $1.4m donor fund theft

A United States district court in Michigan has sentenced Nigerian-born academic, Nkechy Ezeh, to 70 months in prison for masterminding a $1.4 million fraud scheme involving funds meant for vulnerable preschool children.

Delivering judgment, Judge Hala Jarbou described Ezeh as “a fraud and a thief,” condemning what she called a “brazen and widespread” scheme that diverted money intended to support disadvantaged children in West Michigan.

Ezeh, an associate professor of education and founder of the Early Learning Neighbourhood Collaborative (ELNC), pleaded guilty in December 2025 to charges bordering on wire fraud, conspiracy, and tax evasion.

ELNC, a non-profit organisation funded by the US Departments of Health and Education as well as private donors, provided meals, transportation, advocacy, and financial support for children in underserved communities.

According to US authorities, Ezeh admitted that between 2017 and 2023, she conspired with former ELNC bookkeeper, Sharon Killebrew, and others to fraudulently obtain approximately $1.4 million from the organisation.

The court ordered Ezeh to repay the stolen funds through restitution amounting to $1.4 million, alongside an additional $390,174 owed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). She was also handed a concurrent 60-month prison sentence for tax evasion.

Authorities said the fraud ultimately forced ELNC to shut down operations in 2023, leaving several West Michigan preschools without funding and depriving many low-income children of essential support services. The closure also resulted in the sudden dismissal of 35 employees.

Killebrew had earlier been sentenced in November 2025 to 54 months in federal prison for her role in the scheme.

Reacting to the judgment, Timothy VerHey said Ezeh abused public trust by diverting funds meant for children for personal use.

“Nkechy Ezeh’s greed is beyond reprehensible,” VerHey said.

“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 stolen money could have supported hundreds of West Michigan children and their families.”