Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has expressed his belief in the innocence of Allen Onyema, the founder of Air Peace, regarding the charges of money laundering and bank fraud filed against him in the United States. Browne stated that it is “very probable” that Onyema is innocent, citing his own experience in the banking sector and his knowledge of the case details.
Onyema, along with Ejiroghene Eghagha, the airline’s head of finance and administration, is facing charges in the US for allegedly laundering more than $20 million from Nigeria through US bank accounts in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes. The US Department of Justice claims that Onyema used the laundered money to purchase luxury cars, among other items.
Despite these accusations, Browne believes that the charges against Onyema are likely a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of his financial transactions. He pointed out that the case is still in its early stages and that the evidence presented thus far does not conclusively prove that Onyema is guilty. Browne also mentioned that the United States has a history of targeting high-profile individuals in Africa, suggesting that the charges against Onyema may be politically motivated.
The Prime Minister’s comments come as Antigua and Barbuda is seeking to strengthen its ties with Nigeria, particularly in the areas of tourism and investment. Browne hopes that the situation with Onyema will not negatively impact the relationship between the two countries.
As the legal proceedings against Onyema continue, the Prime Minister’s public support for the Air Peace founder may serve to bolster his defense and raise questions about the validity of the charges against him. The case has attracted significant attention in both Nigeria and Antigua and Barbuda, with many watching closely to see how it unfolds.
