Nigeria U.S. Authorities Pursue Allen Onyema and Co-Defendant in $20 Million Fraud Scheme

U.S. authorities have intensified fraud charges against Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace, related to a $20 million bank fraud scheme. Onyema is accused of submitting false documents to obstruct justice. He remains a fugitive alongside co-defendant Ejiroghene Eghagha, evading trial since 2019.

The U.S. government has intensified its fraud case against Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace, adding new charges related to a $20 million bank fraud scheme. Onyema, who has been evading trial since 2019, is accused of submitting false documents to obstruct justice and halt the investigation into the alleged fraud.

On October 8, 2024, a superseding indictment was issued, introducing additional counts against him and his co-defendant, Ejiroghene Eghagha, who is also implicated in the obstruction efforts. Prosecutors allege that the duo utilized Air Peace as a cover for fraudulent activities involving U.S. banking systems, applying for export letters of credit under pretenses for aircraft purchases that never occurred.

Despite denying all allegations, Onyema and Eghagha have not yet appeared in court. This latest indictment adds to the 36 original charges they faced, including conspiracy and money laundering. An alleged accomplice, Ebony Mayfield, has already been sentenced to probation for her role in the scheme. U.S. authorities continue to seek the arrest of Onyema and Eghagha, who are believed to be avoiding capture in the U.S. and Canada.

An Air Peace representative dismissed the recent developments as repetitive allegations, emphasizing that previous investigations found no evidence of fraud or financial loss. Despite their claims of innocence, Onyema and Eghagha remain fugitives in this ongoing legal battle.

Source: Premium Times