Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema Exonerated by U.S. Court, Former Staff Fined
After an exhaustive three-year investigation by multiple U.S. government agencies, the District Court in Atlanta, Georgia, has exonerated Chief Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace, from allegations of business fraud. The case, which had drawn significant attention, saw no evidence of wrongdoing by Onyema, affirming that no American bank suffered any financial loss.
The investigation centered around Letters of Credit transactions used by Air Peace Limited for aircraft purchases. The court determined that there was no fraudulent intent, and all actions were conducted with legitimate funds.
While Onyema was cleared of any charges, a former administrative staff member of Springfield Aviation Company Inc., Ebony Mayfield, was fined $4,000 and placed on probation. Mayfield, with limited knowledge of Letter of Credit transactions, pleaded guilty to a single count. The court’s probation sentence for her is the lowest possible under U.S. federal law, further indicating the lack of malicious intent or substantial wrongdoing.
The law firm representing Air Peace, Augustine Alegeh & Co., addressed the false reports circulating in the Nigerian media, stressing that no loans or credits were taken from any U.S. bank, and Mayfield did not receive $20,000 to commit fraud, as had been alleged.
“There was no financial loss or damage to any third party, and the American government acknowledged this in court,” the firm noted.
The exoneration of Onyema reinforces the firm’s long-held stance that all transactions conducted through Letters of Credit were legitimate, with no victims or fraudulent activities involved. The funds used for the aircraft purchases were sourced from Air Peace’s own accounts, and all aircraft were imported and utilized for the airline’s operations in Nigeria.
“Our clients maintain their innocence and emphasize that all steps taken in respect of the Letters of Credit were conducted in good faith,” the law firm clarified, adding that various Nigerian law enforcement agencies had reviewed the matter and found no evidence of criminality.
With this verdict, Onyema’s reputation remains intact, and Air Peace continues to operate as Nigeria’s leading airline, free from the shadows of these allegations. The case’s resolution highlights the importance of due process and clears the way for Air Peace to continue its service with a renewed sense of confidence.
