US Court Jails Nigerian Social Worker for Diverting Disabled Child’s Benefits
A Nigerian-born social worker based in the United States has been sentenced to five months in prison after admitting to unlawfully taking more than $17,000 in government benefits intended for a disabled child under her care.
The 48-year-old was convicted after pleading guilty to the theft of public funds linked to Social Security payments meant to support a vulnerable minor with intellectual disabilities.
According to court proceedings, she worked as a social worker for a Native American tribal community and later secured authority to manage the child’s Social Security benefits despite regulations prohibiting workers in her position from serving in that role.
Investigators found that she redirected the payments into a bank account under her control and used the money for personal expenses rather than the welfare of the child.
The scheme reportedly remained undetected until concerns were raised about missing benefit payments. During inquiries by officials, it was discovered that she had been listed as the child’s representative payee.
Authorities said she denied involvement when questioned and later resigned from her position.
Further investigations revealed that she had travelled outside the United States before an earlier court appearance, prompting additional scrutiny from prosecutors.
At sentencing, the court criticised her actions, highlighting the vulnerability of the victim and the breach of trust involved in the offence.
Representatives of the child’s care network described the stolen funds as essential support intended to help improve the child’s future wellbeing and independence following the loss of a parent.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered full repayment of the stolen funds to the relevant government agency.
She was also permanently prohibited from serving as a Social Security representative payee in the future.
