Mr. Onyema(CEO and Chairman of airpeace airline) a renowned airline known in Nigeria, and established in the year 2013, remains a wanted individual in the U.S. following the sentencing of Ebony Mayfield, who received three years’ probation in September 2022 for her role in a $20 million bank fraud scheme. Mayfield pleaded guilty and cooperated with investigators, admitting to receiving only $20,000 for her involvement from 2016 to 2018.
While Mayfield faced trial, Onyema and co-defendant Eghagha evaded arrest despite multiple warrants issued by U.S. authorities. Charges against them include conspiracy, money laundering, and identity theft. An indictment filed recently increased the total charges against Onyema to 38, alleging he transferred suspicious funds disguised as aircraft purchases between 2017 and 2018.
Prosecutors claim that Onyema and Eghagha applied for export letters of credit from a Nigerian bank to facilitate the fraudulent transfer of funds to Onyema’s Atlanta-based firm, Springfield Aviation LLC. They purportedly submitted false documents, including fake purchase agreements, to manipulate U.S. banks.
Mayfield, who had no aviation background, was allegedly instructed by Onyema to manage Springfield Aviation, further implicating him in the scheme. Investigators reported that Onyema transferred approximately $15 million to his personal accounts and attempted to obstruct justice by submitting falsified contracts to authorities.
The case continues to unfold as U.S. officials intensify efforts to apprehend Onyema and Eghagha.
NB: This was reported by premium times.
More information soon…………..
