Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Nigeria Visit Linked to Air Peace Chairman’s $20 Million Fraud Allegations
Lagos, Nigeria — The recent visit of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Nigeria has sparked a media frenzy following revelations that their host, Allen Onyema, Chairman and founder of Air Peace, is facing federal indictment in the United States for alleged money laundering and bank fraud amounting to $20 million.
The British media, led by the Daily Mail, reported that Onyema, who greeted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex upon their arrival, is accused of using his business status to launder millions of dollars through US bank accounts. These allegations originate from a federal indictment filed in November 2019, which Onyema has vehemently denied.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Nigeria as part of their initiative to promote the Invictus Games, a project dear to Prince Harry, aimed at supporting injured service personnel. During their three-day unofficial tour, the couple engaged with various dignitaries, including Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Chris Musa, and visited a military hospital to meet injured service members.
However, the trip has been marred by controversy. The Mirror reported that Prince William, the Prince of Wales, was reportedly angered by his brother’s visit to Nigeria. Royal experts suggest that this trip has caused significant tension within the royal family, with both King Charles and Prince William described as “furious.”
The Daily Mail disclosed that Onyema, 59, has been federally indicted in the US for allegedly orchestrating a complex scheme to defraud banks by moving over $20 million through falsified documents. Despite the serious charges, there is no suggestion that Prince Harry and Meghan were aware of Onyema’s legal issues when they met him. It is understood that their use of Air Peace was a last-minute change from their original travel plans.
Onyema’s indictment details allegations of setting up deceptive multi-million-dollar asset purchases, which prosecutors claim were fronts for his fraudulent activities. Since the indictment, Onyema has refuted all charges, with his counsel stating that the funds in question were his own and were legitimately used for his airline business.
This legal battle is being pursued by US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, Ryan Buchanan, who succeeded Byung J. Pak. In response to the allegations, Onyema’s lawyer has pledged to vigorously defend his client, emphasizing that no third-party funds were involved, and no banks or individuals suffered any losses.
The visit, initially intended to bolster the Invictus Games and strengthen international ties, has inadvertently highlighted ongoing legal and political challenges surrounding prominent Nigerian figures. As the story develops, the intersection of royal duties and international legal matters continues to captivate global attention.
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