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    HomeNewsAir Peace Boss Allen Onyema has fresh arrest warrant issued by US court

    Air Peace Boss Allen Onyema has fresh arrest warrant issued by US court

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    On October 9, the warrant was renewed by the Northern Georgia federal court in response to new charges brought against Onyema and his co-defendant, Air Peace Chief of Administration and Finance Ejiroghene Eghagha.

    The latest accusations, which were added on October 8, include conspiracy to impede justice and obstruction of justice. This brings the total number of counts against Onyema and Eghagha to 38, which also includes identity theft, money laundering, bank fraud, and conspiracy, according to Premium Times.

    If the suspects entered Canadian territory, U.S. Marshals might capture them thanks to the original arrest order, which was issued in 2019.

     

    Between 2017 and 2018, Onyema reportedly transferred suspicious payments from Nigeria to U.S. bank accounts while posing as someone who was buying airplanes, according to U.S. prosecutors.

     

    According to the prosecution, the money was allegedly used to purchase planes for Air Peace through Onyema’s U.S.-based company, Springfield Aviation.

    But they contend that the planes included in the bank documents—which were purportedly fabricated to deceive American banks—were never owned or sold by Springfield Aviation.

    Additionally, according to the prosecution, Eghagha falsified purchase agreements and other paperwork that was sent to American institutions.

    Despite having no background in finance or flying, Ebony Mayfield, who Onyema hired in 2016 to manage Springfield, approved these documents.

    In 2022, Mayfield, who had previously worked as a waitress and bartender, received a three-year probationary term for her involvement in the conspiracy.

     

    Onyema faces further accusations related to alleged actions he took in 2019 after knowing of the U.S. inquiry.

    In order to stop the probe, prosecutors say he ordered Mayfield to sign an undated contract that was later shown to U.S. officials with a fabricated date.

    The fresh obstruction accusations that were filed last month are based on this action.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan accused Onyema of using Air Peace as a “cover” to defraud U.S. institutions in a statement released after the superseding indictment.

    Onyema’s purported abuse of the American banking system to hide his money was also challenged by IRS Assistant Special Agent Lisa Fontanette.

    In response, Air Peace has affirmed Onyema’s innocence, referred to the charges as “mere allegations,” and stated that he has fully cooperated with U.S. authorities.

     

    The airline emphasized its dedication to safety and dependability in a statement, assuring the public that the legal actions would not affect its operations.

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