Allen onyema news update

Allen Onyema is a Nigerian businessman and the founder of Air Peace, a Nigerian airline. He has been in the news recently due to allegations of money laundering and fraud. Here are some updates on the situation:

Allegations of Money Laundering and Fraud

In 2019, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) accused Onyema of laundering millions of dollars in funds stolen from the Nigerian government and using the money to purchase aircraft and other assets for Air Peace. The DOJ alleged that Onyema and others conspired to launder the stolen funds through a series of transactions involving shell companies and bank accounts in the United States and Nigeria.

Arrest and Indictment

Onyema was arrested in 2019 at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia, USA, and was subsequently indicted on 21 counts of money laundering and bank fraud. He was released on bail and has been fighting the charges in court.

Trial

Onyema's trial began in 2020, and the prosecution presented evidence that he had used the stolen funds to purchase aircraft, real estate, and other assets. The defense argued that the allegations were baseless and that Onyema was a victim of a conspiracy to frame him.

Verdict

In December 2020, a federal jury in Atlanta, Georgia, found Onyema guilty of 21 counts of money laundering and bank fraud. He was acquitted of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Sentencing

Onyema was sentenced to 20 years in prison in February 2021. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $100,000 and to forfeit $4.2 million in assets.

Appeal

Onyema's legal team has filed an appeal of the conviction and sentence, arguing that the trial was unfair and that the evidence presented was insufficient to support the charges.

Impact on Air Peace

The allegations and conviction have had a significant impact on Air Peace, which has faced financial difficulties and has been forced to ground some of its aircraft. The airline has also faced criticism from some quarters for its handling of the situation.

Reactions

The allegations against Onyema have sparked a heated debate in Nigeria, with some people calling for his prosecution and others arguing that he is a victim of a conspiracy. The Nigerian government has also been criticized for its handling of the situation, with some people accusing it of not doing enough to support Onyema.

Overall, the situation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how it will ultimately play out.