Air Peace: I'm not afraid to stand trial — Onyema reacts to fraud allegations

Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman /CEO, Air Peace.

Recent indictment against Air Peace boss, Allen Onyema, by the United States Justice Department over perceived dubious financial transactions to the tune of $20 million, has been generating reactions from all quarters both within and outside the country.



While some were quick to condemn the CEO of the Aviation company, others however, expressed shock and wondered why a person who was recently praised for his kind gesture toward stranded Nigerians in South Africa a few months ago, would end up being stained with such allegations.

As reactions continue to pour, Air Peace CEO, Allen Onyema, has finally reacted to the allegations of bank and money laundering leveled against him.

A friend cast doubt on Air Peace that period they announced decision to purchase 10 Boeing aircrafts. He said the investment didn’t add up, and we all shut him down as an alarmist. Now this? || Nigerian airline indicted for bank fraud and money laundering https://t.co/px6zb2qaCx

— Gimba Kakanda (@gimbakakanda) November 23, 2019

In a brief statement on Saturday, Onyema said all the allegations “are false and are in no way in line with my character as a person and as a business man.”

He denied any illegalities in the conduct of his business saying due processes and proper channels were duly followed including the transfer of funds through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for the purchase of aircrafts.




He said, “I can confirm to you that all allegations are false and are in no way in line with my character as a person and as a business man whose only aim has been to build Nigeria and improve well-being.


“As the press statement clearly stated, these are indictments that only contain charges. I am innocent of all charges and the US government will find NO dirt on me because I have never conducted business with any illegalities.

“Be rest assured that I also have my lawyers on this and these mere allegations will be refuted.



“I never laundered money in my life, neither have I committed bank fraud anywhere in the world. Every Kobo I transferred to the US for aircraft purchase went through the Central Bank of Nigeria LC regime and all were used for the same purpose. The American companies that received the funds are still in business. I never took a penny from any US bank or Nigerian bank. I am willing to defend my innocence in the US courts.”