Alleged US bank fraud: I’ve never laundered money in my life — Allen Onyema, Air Peace CEO

Following the alleged indictment of the Chairman of Air Peace Airline, Mr Allen Onyema, by the United States Department of Justice over allegation that he moved more than $20 million from Nigeria through US bank accounts, the airline chief has described the allegations as unfounded and strange to him vowing to vigorously defend himself against the allegations.

Onyema, reacting on Saturday, denied all the allegations of fraud levelled against him by the US, saying, “I confirm to you that all allegations are false and are in no way in line with my character as a person and as a businessman whose only aim has been to build Nigeria and improve wellbeing.

“As the press statement clearly stated, these are indictments that only contain charges.

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“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.”

“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,” Onyema said.

Also, earlier in a statement issued by his solicitors, A.O. Alegeh & Co. Legal Practitioners & Notaries Public 35, Cameron Road Ikoyi, Onyema had said contrary to the allegations, that none of the allegations involved any third party funds but relate to his funds utilised in the Airline business.

The statement reads: “On behalf of Allen Onyema, we hereby state that he strongly denies and will vigorously defend himself against the allegations made against him by the US Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia in relation to purchase of Aircraft, Aircraft spares and Aircraft maintenance. None of the allegations involve any third party funds but relate to his funds utilized in the Airline business. There is no allegation that any Bank [in the United States, Nigeria or elsewhere], Company or individual suffered any financial or any loss whatsoever.

“The allegations are unfounded and strange to him. Allen Onyema has a track record built on honesty and integrity and will take all necessary steps to clear his good name and hard earned reputation. He looks forward to an opportunity to rebut these allegations in Court.”

Similarly, the Executive Director in the airline, Mrs Ejiro Eghagha who was indicted alongside her principal, Onyema in the alleged money laundry has denied the allegations saying there was no allegation that any Bank [in the United States, Nigeria or elsewhere], Company or individual suffered any financial or any loss whatsoever.

According to the solicitors of Eghagha, A.O. Alegeh & Co. Legal Practitioners & Notaries Public 35, Cameron Road Ikoyi, “The allegations are unfounded and strange to her. Mrs Ejiro Eghagha has built her reputation as a seasoned, honest and responsible person and will take all necessary steps to clear her good name and hard earned reputation. She looks forward to an opportunity to rebut these allegations in Court.

“The allegations are unfounded and strange to her. Mrs Ejiro Eghagha has built her reputation as a seasoned, honest and responsible person and will take all necessary steps to clear her good name and hard earned reputation. She looks forward to an opportunity to rebut these allegations in Court.”

A statement posted on the US Justice department’s website, while the Air Peace Chairman was accused of allegedly moving more than $20 million from Nigeria through US bank accounts in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes, the chief of administration and finance in the airline,  Ejiroghene Eghagha, was also charged with alleged bank fraud and committing aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme.