Nigerian airline Air Peace has reaffirmed the innocence of its Chairman and CEO, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, and Chief of Finance and Administration, Mrs. Ejiro Eghagha, following the expansion of legal charges by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
The management of the airline said they are confident that both executives will be exonerated, emphasising that these are still mere allegations with the case ongoing in court.
This came as the U.S. attorney’s office for the Northern District of Georgia filed a superseding indictment against Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema and Ejiroghene Eghagha, accusing them of submitting false documents in an effort to obstruct an ongoing federal investigation into their alleged financial crimes, adding new charges to the 2019 case that originally accused Onyema of money laundering involving more than $20 million.
Ryan Buchanan of the US attorney’s office said, “After allegedly using his airline company as a cover to commit fraud on the United States’ banking system, Onyema, along with his co-defendant, allegedly committed additional crimes of fraud in a failed attempt to derail the government’s investigation of his conduct,”
However, in a statement released on Sunday addressing public concerns, Air Peace stressed that both Dr. Onyema and Mrs. Eghagha remain innocent until proven otherwise, saying that the airline’s legal team is fully engaged and working relentlessly to ensure that justice prevails.
The statement read, “These charges levelled against our post-holders are part of an extended legal process stemming from earlier accusations of financial misdeeds that date back several years.
While the charges have been expanded, it is essential to emphasize that both Dr. Onyema and Mrs. Eghagha remain innocent and these are mere allegations, and the case is still in court. Our legal team is fully engaged with the matter and is working tirelessly to ensure that justice prevails. We remain confident that, through due process, the truth will be revealed, and our CEO and co-defendant will be exonerated.”
The company then reiterated that Dr. Onyema and his legal representatives have consistently cooperated with the relevant authorities throughout the legal process.
Air Peace then assured the public that despite the expanded charges, its daily operations, safety standards, and commitment to quality service remain unaffected.
“We want to reassure the public that these legal proceedings will not impact the safety, reliability, or day-to-day operations of Air Peace. The dedication and focus of our staff remain steadfast as we continue to provide you with the best aviation experience in Nigeria and beyond,” the statement added.
The airline expressed gratitude to its customers for their continued trust and support during this period, reassuring them of its unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards in aviation.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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