danot1030:
We will soon be hearing "Buhari is after Igbos business men, Buhari does not like Igbos now"

Is FBI on PMB pay role ?

Did he still your Money or Nigeria money if yes
Whose money did he still[



You are one of the few people your future had been mortgaged.

BabaRamota1980:


I cant believe what i just read!

A national asset! What makes him national asset?

He is actually a national asset


But the thing is that if he committed that fraud
He did not do well at all
But just like Aliko and the likes
He is an asset

And now every transaction will get much more scrutiny and may even require efcc clearance. Real business men are cursing out Onyeama right now

izzou:


You should take a chill pill and let the drama unfold

Invictus was a mentor and a motivator till he was busted. You don't know anyone more than you know yourself

This guy wired $20 million. Do you know the conversion in naira?

Instead of defending him, allow him to defend himself to the world

I'm sure he wired it from your account to his account

Ebullience:
Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation and Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has waded into the $44.9 million wire fraud and money laundering case against Air Peace Chief Executive Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema hours after his indictment in the United States (US).

The EFCC, it was learnt, on Saturday raised what sources referred to as a ”special panel” to investigate the matter shortly after receiving the charges against Onyema.

Onyema was indicted along with his finance officer, Ejiroghene Eghagha, by the US Department of Justice (DoJ).

They were accused of “moving more than $20 million from Nigeria through some United States banks in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes.”

Eghagha, who is the international airline’s Chief of Administration and Finance, was also accused of bank fraud and committing aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme.

The EFCC is also investigating two Nigerian banks for allegedly facilitating the transfer of the money to the US and processing letters of credit to buy planes for Air Peace.

The probe, The Nation gathered, would cover the activities and inflows into the accounts of four non-governmental organisations (NGOs) /non-profit groups sponsored by Onyema.

They are Foundation for Ethnic Harmony, International Centre for Non-Violence and Peace Development, All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited and Every Child Limited.

Onyema has since denied the allegations against him and stated his readiness to travel to the US to defend himself.

His lawyer, A. O. Alegeh, said in a statement in Lagos, at the weekend, that Onyema “strongly denies and will vigorously defend himself against the allegations made against him by the US Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia in relation to the purchase of aircraft, aircraft spares and aircraft maintenance”.

The US government is seeking the forfeiture of $14,246,536.6million left in some accounts linked with Onyema in the US and Canada.

The funds comprise $4,017,852.51 in JP Morgan Chase Bank in the US and $4,593,842.05 and $5,634,842.04 in the Bank of Montreal, Canada.

One of the legs of the EFCC probe is to ascertain whether Onyema is fronting for some politically exposed persons in the country.

A source said: “Upon the receipt of the charges, the EFCC chairman raised a team to probe the allegations against Onyema Eghagha, who were prominently mentioned in the indictment charges by the United States Government.

“The EFCC team is working on what I may term the ‘Nigerian components’ of the indictment including suspicious huge transfer of funds abroad, alleged abuse of letters of credit and money laundering.

“In fact, the Acting EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu directed the team members to work round the clock at the weekend because it is a case we must work on with speed.

“We are also interested in the roles played by two banks in the country including one that has been on our radar for a while for money laundering. This same bank was implicated in the $115million poll bribery scam in 2015 for which former Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke is wanted for trial.

“We need to act because in the indictment, the US indicated its plans to freeze some funds linked with Onyema in some accounts within and outside its jurisdiction. It is standard practice to have collaboration with sister organisations all over the world. We cannot wait till the last minutes before playing our roles.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “Certainly, our crack team will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities and remittances into the accounts of the four non-governmental organisations (NGOs) /non-profit groups of Onyema.

“Our immediate suspicion is that these four groups are likely to be tools for money laundering. The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), tax bodies and other agencies will assist on the status of these organisations.

“We have directed our detectives to ascertain or otherwise if Onyema is allegedly serving as a front for some politically exposed persons (PEPs).”

The source added: “The EFCC may also investigate other persons or groups that have assisted Onyema in one way or the other on the allegations against him. The indictment spoke of known and unknown persons.”

In the charges against Onyema and Eghagha, they were accused of using the money to buy luxury cars, including a Rolls Royce for $180,000 and Mercedes for $88, 500 among others.

Onyema was also said to have spent thousands of dollars on personal purchases at Atlanta Georgia locations of Prada, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Louis Vuitton, the Apple Store and various airlines.

It was alleged that the total amount Onyema spent on aircraft acquisition for his airline exceeded $3million.

Onyema: I’m not dubious

Airline magnate Alex Onyema yesterday said it is not in his character to be dubious, describing the fraud allegations against him as false.

In a statement in Lagos, he said: ”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 Letter of Credit 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”.

Allegations unfounded, strange, says lawyer

Embattled Air Peace Chief Alex Onyema yesterday denied the fraud allegations against him.

His lawyer, A. O. Alegeh in a statement in Lagos said: “On behalf of Allen Onyema, we hereby state that he strongly denies and will vigorously defend himself against the allegations made against him by the US Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia in relation to purchase of Aircraft, Aircraft spares and Aircraft maintenance. None of the allegations involve any third party funds but relate to his funds utilised in the Airline business. There is no allegation that any Bank [in the United States, Nigeria or elsewhere], company or individual suffered any financial or any loss whatsoever.

“The allegations are unfounded and strange to him. Allen Onyema has a track record built on honesty and integrity and will take all necessary steps to clear his good name and hard earned reputation. He looks forward to an opportunity to rebut these allegations in Court.”

Airline’s finance chief refutes allegations

Air Peace Executive Director Mrs. Ejiro Eghagha yesterday denied allegations of money laundering levelled against her in the United States.

In a statement, her lawyer A.O Alegeh said: “On behalf of Mrs Ejiro Eghagha, we hereby state that she strongly denies and will vigorously defend herself against the allegations made against her by the US Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia in relation to purchase of aircraft, aircraft spares and aircraft maintenance for her employer.

None of the allegations involve any third party funds but relate to funds belonging to her employer and utilized in the airline business. There is no allegation that any Bank [in the United States, Nigeria or elsewhere], Company or individual suffered any financial or any loss whatsoever.

“The allegations are unfounded and strange to her. Mrs Ejiro Eghagha has built her reputation as a seasoned, honest and responsible person and will take all necessary steps to clear her good name and hard earned reputation. She looks forward to an opportunity to rebut these allegations in Court.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/44-9m-wire-deals-efcc-special-panel-to-investigate-air-peace-boss-onyema/

The federal government should carry out this investigation and come out with their report.

But the federal government must protect the strategic business interest of Mr Onyeama.

We must resist the American government and its unfair justice system lawfully like China, Russia, Iran. etc

When late General Abacha laundered billions of our collective commonwealth the same American system or British system did not announce to Nigeria and issue a warrant of arrest. It took America and Switzerland some years to return parts of the Abacha loot after deduction of costly legal fees and taxes.

As at today Britain is still sitting on the Deziani loot and also Abacha loot in channel island.

To me it is the Nigeria state that the western countries led by the United States they want to bring down economically.

The federal government of Nigeria must be wise.

The Buhari administration must apply wisdom.

After Mr Allen Onyeama they will go after Dangote, Alakija Folorunsho, Tinubu, Otedola, Ibru, Adenuga, Igbenedion, Lt General Theophilous Danjuma,(rtd) Indinmi

The Buhari administration should restructure the scale and procedure for fighting fraud as it is damaging our image further.

There is too much noise about corruption in Nigeria.

We should do more rebranding and celebrate the areas we have made progress as a nation.

Let us handle this matter without destroying the business investment of Mr Allen Onyeama.

I like China and Russia including Iran as they know how to handle the intimidation from the United States and its allies.

I love how this yoruba idiots are the most emotionally invested (definitely more than any ethnic group in Nigeria) over these AirPeace case, suddenly they've turned into social media justice warriors overnight - they are all over various media platforms as the Jurors, prosecutors, and Judges over Onyema even before any credible investigation has extensively been conducted into the case to certify him guilty as charged. This yoruba abi yaribanzas are the most pathetic losers ever, dem never finish to dey wash, much less hide the dirty linens and underwear of their celebrated criminal leaders like Tinubu, Kashamu etc na for AirPeace matter dem no knack head for wall, talk of a sad case of mentally fractured bitter losers . After all the noise, the airline will never GO DOWN, las las matter go fizzle out in a weeks time and AirPeace will keep on growing in brand, deals, and travel airtime... Make I even check my flight itinerary for my Naija trip this Xmas with AirPeace

Roadtoyesterday:
Foolish EFCC who call you for the matter? Just trying to be relevance in an already indicted case.... Left to them they will lose last last for court.


Where is Mopha case

Look at them, they must defend any criminal that hails from the East, at all cost.
Onyeama and all other criminals fro that Region, will be made to face the wrath of the law.
Stay away from crimes.

izzou:


Nigerians will always be Nigerians....

From the response of his lawyers yesterday, it's 70% sure Oga is going down.

Instead of them to throw few facts in their statements, they came with the "he will never do such a thing" response

The guy is done. Unto the next

God bless you my brother! The lawyers were only blabbing. Give us counter evidences, you were speaking English. They are done and dusted with him tho I hate to say it. USA are not even interested in how he got the money, just prove that the docs are genuine and then why you have to redistribute the funds on their soil. Beginning of the end for him, sadly.

[s]

NwaAmaikpe:




I commend EFCC for swiftly getting involved with this just hours after it broke in the spirit of Espirit De Corps.
I also admire their determination to carry out a thorough full body scan on him because not only Air Peace is the subject of their investigation, but his other NGOs too.

However, what I don't admire is their lack of interest in other very obvious cases; like the one in Government House, Kano and the one at Bourdillon Drive, Lagos.

The bigger picture is getting clearer considering them talking about a bank that has always been on their radar.

I stand with Allen Onyema.
Those who are waiting for him to resign so that the Airline will be at the mercy of the Board of Directors mostly made of up their brothers will wait in vain.

NwaAmaikpe stands with AirPeace
My prayers go out to the great industrious maverick; Jim Ovia.

We shall prevail.

The handwriting has never been clearer.
The affliction of Savannah Bank and Slok Airlines shall not rise again.
It is not a crime to be first amongst unequals.

[/s]

Almajiri1:

Just stay in your lane.

Make me na. We are past the days Igbos feel they can peddle hate against others and get away with it. Either come correct on a Nigerian website or head to one of the many Biafran and Nigerian-hating blogs out there. If truly Nigerian and nationalistic then push a Nigerian perspective always and not when it suits you. Onyeama should clear his name.

Naija

[s]

Almajiri1:

Allen Onyeama is a national asset like Alinko Dangote. He deserves all the protections, rights and privileges accorded Dangote.

[/s]

Tobichimezie:
I love how this yoruba idiots are the most emotionally invested (definitely more than any ethnic group in Nigeria) over these AirPeace case, suddenly they've turned into social media justice warriors overnight - they are all over various media platforms as the Jurors, prosecutors, and Judges over Onyema even before any credible investigation has extensively been conducted into the case to certify him guilty as charged. This yoruba abi yaribanzas are the most pathetic losers ever, dem never finish to dey wash, much less hide the dirty linens and underwear of their celebrated criminal leaders like Tinubu, Kashamu etc na for AirPeace matter dem no knack head for wall, talk of a sad case of mentally fractured bitter losers . After all the noise, the airline will never GO DOWN, las las matter go fizzle out in a weeks time and AirPeace will keep on growing in brand, deals, and travel airtime... Make I even check my flight itinerary for my Naija trip this Xmas with AirPeace

The emotional investment in seeing Onyeama down is so appalling.

Flier:
Its just the beginning,he will end up losing large chunk of his wealth and Air peace will colapse if he refuse to resign within the next few days

what interest do U have in the matter that U want him to resign so fast. U want to replace him? U want to see him go down? Envious people always rejoice when seeminly succesful persons get into trouble. Work hard and make ur own.

Ezewuzie01:
If he doesn't go to America willingly to clear his name, he is putting the airline in danger because America will place a global sanction on Air Peace. That means no company will be permitted to supply them parts/components, maintenance services for their aircrafts, no bank/financial institution will want to grant them credit and they may even be prevented from flying into other countries else their planes be grounded and seized. America has a global reach. Allen Onyema can't escape this. One way or the other, either he or his airline is going down.

Tru bro you have said it all

Imagine why these is happening to me Allen why why why why

homirefacuny:


God bless you my brother! The lawyers were only blabbing. Give us counter evidences, you were speaking English. They are done and dusted with him tho I hate to say it. USA are not even interested in how he got the money, just prove that the docs are genuine and then why you have to redistribute the funds on their soil. Beginning of the end for him, sadly.

I've seen many people arguing unnecessarily without understanding what the US is after, you nailed it. They have laid down policies there that can't be manipulated but at the same Russia or China or even USA won't throw out their own for cases like this rather they will forfeit the funds outside their territory but in Nigeria we have to throwout ours. I don't see Russia or China listening to USA blabbing even when their citizen who is arguably an asset does such.

You said ‘UNTIL’ Let us wait until...
But until then, keep your PEACE!
It is too early to start talking about SUING.
The only suing I see coming up, may be SUING FOR PEACE!

Almajiri1:

Allow them do their job. Nothing serious will come out from the EFCC angle cos due processes were followed. Until they prove that Allen Onyeama's funds were proceeds of crime, Allen Onyeama would come good and then sue them.

The money used to establish Air Peace was stolen from the Amnesty Program by Kingsley Kuku.

Kuku and Onyema are partners in crime.

EFCC should go & sleep abeg

so my brother crime is crime o and his own is even worse than invictus obi,..... obi defrauded american and dented Nigerian image , Onyeama if found guilty, must have done money laundry and this is money meant to develop the country therefore the country remains poor and our image is technical dented as well.

Almajiri1:

Which intelligible human will say that what invictus obi did and Allen Onyeama are the same?

Almajiri1:

Allen Onyeama is a national asset like Alinko Dangote. He deserves all the protections, rights and privileges accorded Dangote.

What protection, rights and privileges?

Are you saying he has immunity against investigation and prosecution for both civil and criminal charges?

Doesn't that sound silly to you?

izzou:


You should take a chill pill and let the drama unfold

Invictus was a mentor and a motivator till he was busted. You don't know anyone more than you know yourself

This guy wired $20 million. Do you know the conversion in naira?

Instead of defending him, allow him to defend himself to the world

they don't realise that the man is probably doing what other Nigerian leaders did - stealing our commonwealth to invest in another country's economy. there is no way air peace had 20 million in liquid cash sitting down. and there is no record of any bank making such a loan.

izzou:


Nigerians will always be Nigerians....

From the response of his lawyers yesterday, it's 70% sure Oga is going down.

Instead of them to throw few facts in their statements, they came with the "he will never do such a thing" response

The guy is done. Unto the next

You have sense!!! They accuse you with facts and him and his lawyer are busy playing 'the character card"

Someone sold this guy out wholesale

An insider who knew of the entire scheme

Very clear to see

Foundation for Ethnic Harmony, International Centre for Non-Violence and Peace Development,
All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited
Every Child Limited.
What are the objects of these companies or charities?
Were they set up for businesses or charity?
What are the shareholding structure?
Who are the shareholders?
What businesses or charity garner the amount locally, transferred globally and redirected individually.
Can you help with answers?

[b]Foundation for Ethnic Harmony, International Centre for Non-Violence and Peace Development,
All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited
Every Child Limited.[/[b]
What are the objects of these companies or charities?
Were they set up for businesses or charity?
What are the shareholding structure?
Who are the shareholders?
What businesses or charity garner the amount locally, transferred globally and redirected individually.
Can you help with answers?

Almajiri1:

Allen Onyeama is a national asset like Alinko Dangote. He deserves all the protections, rights and privileges accorded Dangote.

Has Dangote been flagged for financial fraud?

wink2015:


The federal government should carry out this investigation and come out with their report.

But the federal government must protect the strategic business interest of Mr Onyeama.

We must resist the American government and its unfair justice system lawfully like China, Russia, Iran. etc

When late General Abacha laundered billions of our commonwealth the same American system or British system did not announce to Nigeria and issue a warrant of arrest. It took America and Switzerland some years to return parts of the Abacha loot after deduction of costly legal fees and taxes.

As at today Britain is still sitting on the Deziani loot and also Abacha loot in channel island.

To me it is the Nigeria state that the western countries led by the United States they want to bring down economically.

The federal government of Nigeria must be wise.

The Buhari administration must apply wisdom.

After Mr Allen Onyeama they will go after Dangote, Alakija Folorunsho, Tinubu, Otedola, Ibru, Adenuga, Igbenedion, Lt General Theophilous Danjuma,(rtd) Indinmi

The Buhari administration should restructure the scale and procedure for fighting fraud as it is damaging our image further.

There is too much noise about corruption in Nigeria.

We should do more rebranding and celebrate the areas we have made progress as a nation.

Let us handle this matter without destroying the business investment of Mr Allen Onyeama.

I like China and Russia including Iran as they know how to handle the intimidation from the United States and its allies.

It was because of people like Abacha that the anti-money laundering act gets amended nearly every year. You can't compare the anti-money laundering act during the Abacha regime to now. The act gets revised nearly every year. If Onyeama is guilty, the United States would certainly review their anti-money laundering act and make it tighter by covering more loopholes.

So, that Abacha conveniently laundered money in the early and late 90s does not mean he can conveniently do it again. The act gets tighter every year with less and less loopholes, all thanks to technology.

Whatever you call it, Yaribanza or BanzaKawai, this matter is not in Igbosere court. It is in Atlanta, Georgia. Bros, na USA. Tinubu, as you call it, is not the magistrate in charge.

Meanwhile, rather than Onyema’s supporters calling for the suing of the US authorities for defamation etc, if he knows he is guilty, he should sue quickly for PEACE, make some forfeitures or fine payment, possibly do some time and come back clean to continue business.

But, in his mind, should he be clean then let him test the US authorities in the court of law. It is not enough to say some transactions went through the CBN. The matter appears deeper than that!

Tobichimezie:
I love how this yoruba idiots are the most emotionally invested (definitely more than any ethnic group in Nigeria) over these AirPeace case, suddenly they've turned into social media justice warriors overnight - they are all over various media platforms as the Jurors, prosecutors, and Judges over Onyema even before any credible investigation has extensively been conducted into the case to certify him guilty as charged. This yoruba abi yaribanzas are the most pathetic losers ever, dem never finish to dey wash, much less hide the dirty linens and underwear of their celebrated criminal leaders like Tinubu, Kashamu etc na for AirPeace matter dem no knack head for wall, talk of a sad case of mentally fractured bitter losers . After all the noise, the airline will never GO DOWN, las las matter go fizzle out in a weeks time and AirPeace will keep on growing in brand, deals, and travel airtime... Make I even check my flight itinerary for my Naija trip this Xmas with AirPeace

candidtalk:


Mr.Almajiri1, can you see the talk of your ignorant brothers Yorubas and others respond to? This ignorant fellow, and even others on this thread, will forever go on about bullion Van in Tinubu's compound. Yet tell me how many times it must be explained to the Igbo man that Tinubu did nothing wrong as a non-Yoruba lawyer cites below.

Mr.Nationalistic Almajiri1, kindly tell us why it is Igbos who must cite Tinubu or other yorubas when their own is indicted of criminal conduct. Look at the position of the law below and tell me why it is Igbos alone shouting Tinubu did wrong whereas the law is crystal clear no crime has been committed. Igbos may be ignorant of the law and inclined to disregard it, as per their innate lawlessness, but the EFCC is not. Pointless therefore that only Igbos continue to urge them to arrest Tinubu for doing nothing wrong. that is an indication of the hate and tribalism of Igbos , that has gone on unchallenged for decades, others now react to vehemently today because of social media.

http://www.excellawchambers.com/tinubus-bullion-vans-in-the-eyes-of-the-law/

I doubt if Deji Adeyanju who submitted the petition and Segalink are igbos.

“We are also interested in the roles played by two banks in the country including one that has been on our radar for a while for money laundering. This same bank was implicated in the $115million poll bribery scam in 2015 for which former Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke is wanted for trial.

Please which bank is under investigation?

Thanks.