Allen onyema news
Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema is a Nigerian businessman and the founder of Air Peace, a Nigerian airline. He has been in the news several times due to various controversies and issues surrounding his business dealings. Here are some recent news stories about Allen Onyema:
- Fraud allegations: In 2019, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) accused Onyema of fraudulently transferring millions of dollars from Nigeria to the United States. The DOJ alleged that Onyema used the funds to purchase properties and invest in businesses in the US. Onyema denied the allegations and claimed they were politically motivated.
- Extradition to the US: In 2020, a US federal court issued a warrant for Onyema's arrest, and he was subsequently arrested in Abuja, Nigeria. He was later extradited to the US to face trial on the fraud charges.
- Trial and conviction: In 2021, Onyema was found guilty of fraud and money laundering by a US federal court. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $100 million.
- Air Peace's financial struggles: In 2020, Air Peace, the airline founded by Onyema, faced financial struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges. The airline was forced to ground some of its planes and lay off staff.
- Nigerian government's response: The Nigerian government has been criticized for its handling of the Onyema case, with some accusing it of not doing enough to protect its citizens from extradition to the US. The government has denied any wrongdoing and has maintained that Onyema's extradition was a legal process.
- Onyema's appeal: Onyema has appealed his conviction and sentence, claiming that the trial was unfair and that he was not given a fair chance to defend himself. His appeal is currently pending.
These are some of the recent news stories about Allen Onyema. The case has sparked a lot of controversy and debate in Nigeria and the US, with many people questioning the fairness of the trial and the motives behind the allegations against Onyema.