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U.S. Court Renews Arrest Warrant For Air Peace CEO Onyema

Published

1 month ago

Nov 11, 2024.

A U.S. federal court in Northern Georgia has reissued an arrest warrant for Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace Limited, amid expanded allegations involving a $20 million bank fraud scheme.

The warrant, renewed on October 9, follows new charges added on October 8, which include obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that each these charges bring the total number of counts against Onyema and his co-defendant, Ejiroghene Eghagha, Chief of Administration and Finance at Air Peace, to 38. The allegations now encompass conspiracy, money laundering, bank fraud, identity theft, and obstruction.

Initially issued in 2019, the arrest warrant authorizes U.S. Marshals to detain Onyema and Eghagha if they enter Canadian jurisdiction. Prosecutors allege that between 2017 and 2018, Onyema transferred suspicious funds from Nigeria to U.S. bank accounts, presenting the money as intended for purchasing aircraft for Air Peace.

The transactions reportedly went through Onyema’s U.S.-based firm, Springfield Aviation, which prosecutors claim never actually owned or sold the aircraft described in the bank documents, alleged to be falsified to deceive American financial institutions.

Eghagha, who allegedly assisted Onyema, is accused of fabricating purchase agreements and related documents submitted to U.S. banks. Additionally, Ebony Mayfield, a former Springfield Aviation manager hired by Onyema in 2016, signed several of these documents despite lacking aviation or finance expertise. Mayfield, a former bartender and waitress, received a three-year probation sentence in 2022 for her involvement in the scheme.

Court Arrest Air Peace CEO

The recent obstruction charges stem from actions Onyema allegedly took after learning about the U.S. investigation in 2019. Prosecutors claim he directed Mayfield to sign an undated contract later presented to U.S. authorities with a falsified date, attempting to impede the investigation.

Following these developments, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan criticized Onyema for allegedly using Air Peace as a “cover” to defraud U.S. banks. IRS Assistant Special Agent Lisa Fontanette also condemned Onyema’s alleged misuse of the U.S. banking system to obscure his financial dealings.

In response, Air Peace has reiterated Onyema’s innocence, describing the charges as “mere allegations” and emphasizing that he has cooperated fully with U.S. authorities. The airline assured the public that the legal issues would not disrupt its operations, affirming its commitment to safety and reliability.