Alleged $20m Fraud: AirPeace Boss, Onyema Says “US Govt Will Find No Dirt On Me”

Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema, the Chairman, CEO, and founder of Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, has reacted to alleged indictment by the US government of bank fraud and money laundering.

BIGPEN Online had earlier reported that Onyema was allegedly accused of moving of more than $20 million (N7.2billion) from Nigeria through United States bank accounts in a scheme reportedly involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes.

Onyema, when contacted to react to the allegations, dismissed the claims as unfounded, saying that the allegations are  no way in line with his character as a person and as a business man.

Saying that he is innocent of all charges, the AirPeace boss said, the US government will find NO dirt on him because according to him, he have never conducted business with any illegalities.

He said that his team of lawyers would react and refute the allegations in a later date.

His words: “Thank you for reaching out to me. 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 wellbeing.

“As the press statement clearly stated, these are indictment that only contains 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”.

Allen Onyema