Nigerian Monarch and US-Based Psychotherapist Sentenced for Medicaid Fraud
Dr. Ekelekamchukwu Alphonsus Ngwadom, a Nigerian traditional ruler and academic, has been found guilty of Medicaid fraud in the United States after submitting false claims for therapy services never rendered to minors.
Background: Academic and Royal Leadership
At 61 years old, Ngwadom serves as a Psychotherapist and holds professorships in Psychology and Sociology at the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina. In 2021, following the death of his father, he was crowned the king of Mbubu in the Amiri Kingdom, located within the Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria.
Details of the Fraud Case
On January 13, 2025, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced that Ngwadom pleaded guilty to 27 counts of obtaining property by false pretenses. Between February 2020 and March 2021, Ngwadom submitted fraudulent Medicaid claims totaling $72,014.66 to Alliance Health, a North Carolina insurer managing state-funded and Medicaid plans. These claims were for behavioral health services allegedly provided to 27 Medicaid recipients, including children, which in reality were never delivered.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Medicaid Integrity Division, alongside the North Carolina Department of Justice and State Bureau of Investigation, launched an inquiry after Alliance Health’s internal audit flagged suspicious payments. The probe revealed that Ngwadom billed for overlapping services and for an after-school program that was inactive due to COVID-19 restrictions. Parents confirmed they never received the services billed, and some declined home visits from Ngwadom.
Sentencing and Restitution
Ngwadom received a sentence ranging from 12 to 34 months, suspended in favor of 36 months of supervised probation. His probation includes 90 days of house arrest, 100 hours of community service, and a restitution payment of $72,014.66 to Alliance Health, with $45,000 due by January 21, 2026. Failure to comply with probation terms could result in imprisonment for up to three years.
Impact and Statements
Attorney General Jackson emphasized the seriousness of Medicaid fraud, highlighting its detrimental effect on taxpayers and vulnerable populations relying on these services. Prosecutor Tracy Grimes noted that the fraudulent billing obstructed legitimate mental health care for some children. Ngwadom’s defense attorney attributed his actions to financial hardship caused by the pandemic, which led to the foreclosure of his home.
Personal and Professional Consequences
As part of his plea agreement, Ngwadom surrendered his professional licenses and has since secured alternative employment. He has also taken a second mortgage on his home to fulfill restitution obligations. During sentencing, Ngwadom expressed remorse, acknowledging his wrongdoing and apologizing to the court.
Community and Leadership Role
Ngwadom’s coronation as HRH SIR EZE Alphonsus OBIANOKWU IV of Mbubu Amiri Kingdom was met with community optimism, with leaders praising his education and experience as assets for local development. He also holds leadership positions including Chairman of the African Diaspora Coalition of North Carolina and CEO of Almarch Counseling Services, PLLC.
