The biggest airline in Nigeria; Air Peace Limited, promised the public on Sunday that the safety and day-to-day operations of the airline will not be jeopardized by ongoing legal procedures involving its founder, Allen Onyema, and Chief of Finance and Administration, Ejiro Eghagha.
Mr. Onyema is still wanted in the United States after the U.S. government filed additional accusations in the $20 million bank fraud case against him. He has however denied any involvement, but a 2019 indictment in the Northern District of Georgia has exposed him and Eghagha to serious charges of bank fraud and obstruction of justice.
The two were accused of sending fraudulent documents to U.S. authorities in an attempt to hinder an investigation and unfreeze Mr. Onyema’s bank accounts, which led to more charges against them on October 8, 2024, including obstruction of justice.
They committed fraud within the U.S. banking system by using Air Peace as a front, according to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. Air Peace stated on its official X page in response to public concerns, stressing that Mr. Onyema and Eghagha are innocent until proven guilty and that the ongoing legal troubles are only claims.
The airline stated that the legal team is actively involved in the matter and reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining the integrity of its operations and ensuring the safety of its customers.
With the statement that “these legal proceedings will not impact the safety, reliability, or day-to-day operations of Air Peace,” the airline reaffirmed its commitment to providing excellent services. The business is still optimistic that the truth will come to light and its leaders will be cleared through the proper channels.
After co-defendant Ebony Mayfield was found guilty in September 2022 of aiding and abetting the alleged fraud, Mr. Onyema’s legal issues became more serious.
Both Mr. Onyema and Eghagha have avoided arrest in the United States and Canada since the allegations were brought, even though she was placed on probation.
With the current superseding indictment, Mr. Onyema and Eghagha are now facing 38 charges in all, including identity theft, conspiracy, and money laundering.
According to U.S. prosecutors, Mr. Onyema used Springfield Aviation, a U.S.-based company he owns, to orchestrate suspicious money transfers that were passed off as aircraft sales. Air Peace insists that its operations would not be impacted as the case progresses, working to provide its clients in Nigeria and abroad with a dependable flying experience.
