The Air Peace chairman, Allen Onyeama, has maintained his innocence in a recent legal charges against him in the United states.
A recent statement from the US authorities accused him of obstructing justice. The authorities charged Onyeama along with the airlines Chief of Finance and Administration, Mrs. Ejiro Eghagha. The airline insists that both are innocent.
The latest charges are part of a longer legal process related to earlier financial allegations. Air Peace said its legal team is working hard to ensure justice.
The statement reads, “Air Peace Limited is aware of the recent media reports concerning our esteemed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, and Chief of Finance and Administration, Mrs. Ejiro Eghagha, in line with the latest legal charges filed by the U.S. Department of Justice. We understand that this may have raised concerns, and we wish to address these reports directly.”
Extended legal process
“These charges levelled against our post-holders are part of an extended legal process stemming from earlier accusations of financial misdeeds that date back several years.”
“While the charges have been expanded, it is essential to emphasize that both Dr. Onyema and Mrs. Eghagha remain innocent. These are mere allegations, and the case is still in court. Our legal team is fully engaged with the matter and is working tirelessly to ensure that justice prevails. We remain confident that, through due process, the truth will be revealed, and our CEO and co-defendant will be exonerated.”
Commitment to operations
“It is important to note that Dr. Onyema and his legal team have consistently cooperated with authorities throughout this process. Air Peace continues to operate without disruption, upholding our commitment to delivering top-notch services to our valued customers.”
“We want to reassure the public that these legal proceedings will not impact the safety, reliability, or day-to-day operations of Air Peace. The dedication and focus of our staff remain steadfast as we continue to provide you with the best aviation experience in Nigeria and beyond.”
Accusations of fraud against Air Peace chairman
The US authorities accused Onyeama of submitting false documents to U.S. authorities in 2019 to stop the investigation. They also claimed he was trying to unfreeze his bank accounts regarding the alleged $20 million bank fraud. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “After allegedly using his airline company as a cover to commit fraud on the United States’ banking system, Onyema, along with his co-defendant, allegedly committed additional crimes of fraud in a failed attempt to derail the government’s investigation of his conduct.”
Financial allegations
In the superseding indictment, the authorities accused Onyema of fraudulently transferring more than $44.9 million into his Atlanta-based accounts from foreign sources between 2010 and 2018. They also claimed Onyema and Eghagha fraudulently applied for export letters of credit for transferring funds from a Nigerian bank account to Onyema’s Atlanta-based firm, Springfield Aviation LLC, between 2016 and 2017.
The letters of credit, they claimed, purportedly funded the purchase of five Boeing 737 passenger planes by Air Peace. These were supported by documents such as purchase agreements, bills of sale, and appraisals. “The documents purported to show that Air Peace was purchasing the aircraft from Springfield Aviation Company LLC, a business registered in Georgia. However, the supporting documents were allegedly fake.”
Air Peace chairman under investigation
Springfield Aviation Company LLC was owned by Onyema and managed by someone with no connection to aviation. Moreover, Springfield Aviation never owned the aircraft. The company that allegedly drafted the appraisals did not exist.
The airline says its chairman maintains his innocence amid these serious allegations. The statement added that the airline continues to uphold its commitment to service while navigating this challenging legal landscape.
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