LIAT 2020 ownership confirmed as airline denies Allen Onyema’s involvement amid legal troubles.
In an October 15, 2024 press release, LIAT 2020 Limited sought to dispel growing speculation about its ownership structure and any alleged involvement of Allen Onyema, CEO of Nigeria’s Air Peace. The press release was issued following media reports, including those by Unitedpac St. Lucia News, and made clear that Onyema has no ownership stake, directorship, or involvement in either LIAT 2020 or its local partner, Air Peace Caribbean Limited (APCL). “Mr. Onyema has no ownership stake in LIAT 2020 Ltd, and such claims are completely unfounded,” the press release stated.
LIAT 2020 emphasized that Air Peace Caribbean Limited (APCL), which holds a 70% stake in the company, is a local company incorporated under the laws of Antigua and Barbuda, entirely separate from Air Peace Nigeria Ltd. This statement came amid increasing speculation fueled by Allen Onyema’s expanding legal troubles in the United States.
Full Press Release: LIAT 2020 Responds to Speculations
For full transparency, LIAT 2020 has made the following press release available:
For Immediate Press Release
15/10/2024
OWNERSHIP OF LIAT (2020) LIMITED
In light of recent speculations and misinformation regarding the ownership and structure of LIAT (2020) Limited, we believe it is important to provide clear and accurate information to our valued customers, partners, and stakeholders. At LIAT (2020) Ltd, transparency and our commitment to regional connectivity remain at the forefront of our operations. This statement serves to address any misconceptions and reaffirm our dedication to delivering exceptional customer experience across the Caribbean.
LIAT (2020) Limited, a local company incorporated under the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda, is a joint venture between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda (GOAB) and Air Peace Caribbean Limited (APCL), another local company incorporated under the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda. The shareholding structure is 30% for the GOAB and 70% for APCL. It is important to clarify that APCL is an entirely separate entity from Air Peace Nigeria Ltd. Mr. Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace Nigeria Ltd, holds no shares, or directorship, nor is he involved in APCL or LIAT (2020) Ltd.
LIAT (2020) Limited wishes to reassure its stakeholders that the company’s ownership and operations have not been impacted by the incorrect speculations regarding Mr. Onyema. We emphasize that Mr. Onyema has no ownership stake in LIAT (2020) Ltd, and such claims are completely unfounded as they do not exist.
As we continue our mission to provide reliable flight services throughout the region, we are grateful for the ongoing support of our customers, stakeholders, and partners. We remain committed to delivering the best, exceptional customer experience, as we strive to connect the Caribbean and SOAR!
Allen Onyema’s Escalating Legal Troubles
Despite LIAT 2020’s efforts to distance itself from Onyema, the Nigerian businessman’s legal challenges in the U.S. continue to escalate. According to The Africa Report on October 15, 2024, Onyema now faces new charges of obstruction of justice in addition to the existing allegations of bank fraud and money laundering. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia accuses Onyema and Air Peace’s Chief of Administration, Ejiroghene Eghagha, of submitting falsified documents to cover up over $20 million in transactions related to the purchase of aircraft for Air Peace.
From 2010 to 2018, Onyema allegedly laundered more than $44 million through U.S. bank accounts. He is accused of falsifying purchase agreements for Boeing 737 planes, documents that were purportedly meant to cover up illegal transactions. A 2019 grand jury indictment resulted in warrants for Onyema’s arrest in both the U.S. and Canada, yet he has continued to evade extradition.
Impact on Air Peace
According to The Africa Report, these charges could have severe consequences for Air Peace’s plans to expand into international markets, particularly in the U.S. Aviation analyst Olumide Ohunayo commented that “the airline cannot operate with this indictment,” casting doubt on Air Peace’s future.
In response to these charges, Air Peace released a statement on October 13, 2024, via X (formerly Twitter), maintaining that Onyema and Eghagha remain innocent. This marks the first time the airline has formally addressed the allegations. Nevertheless, the legal challenges continue to cast a shadow over the airline’s ambitions, with The Africa Report noting that this could delay or even derail Air Peace’s plans to debut flights to New York and Houston.
Onyema: A Hero in Nigeria, a Fugitive Abroad
Onyema’s legal troubles abroad contrast sharply with his reputation in Nigeria, where he is hailed as a hero for his humanitarian efforts. As The Africa Report highlighted, Onyema used Air Peace to evacuate more than 500 Nigerians during the 2019 xenophobic attacks in South Africa and again during the conflict in Sudan. These actions have earned him national recognition.
However, public affairs analysts warn that his refusal to face U.S. courts damages his global credibility. Jide Ojo, quoted in The Africa Report, stated that “It does not speak well for someone so influential in the Nigerian aviation industry to be seen as a fugitive,” urging Onyema to clear his name in court.
LIAT 2020’s Reassurance to Stakeholders
In light of these developments, LIAT 2020 Limited reaffirmed that it remains committed to its core mission of providing reliable air services across the Caribbean. The press release emphasized that “Air Peace Caribbean Limited (APCL) is an entirely separate entity from Air Peace Nigeria Ltd. Mr. Onyema holds no directorship or shares in APCL or LIAT 2020 Ltd.” The airline assured its stakeholders that its operations continue unaffected by the media speculations.
Critical Insights from The Africa Report
Key insights from The Africa Report paint a picture of a man whose business operations have been overshadowed by his legal challenges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged Onyema with obstruction of justice, accusing him of trying to halt the investigation by falsifying key documents related to fraudulent transactions. Despite his claims of innocence, the severity of these charges complicates his business dealings, with aviation experts warning that Air Peace’s future could be in jeopardy.
These legal issues serve as a reminder of the risks associated with business figures involved in ongoing criminal investigations. LIAT 2020’s decision to distance itself from Onyema’s legal entanglements reflects the airline’s focus on transparency and maintaining its operations without disruption.
Reinforcing Our Reporting
Unitedpac St. Lucia News has consistently reported on Onyema’s mounting legal challenges and their potential implications for his business ventures in the Caribbean. LIAT 2020’s clarification further supports our reporting and highlights the need for transparency in regional business operations. As Onyema’s legal battles continue, his influence on his airline’s expansion plans and partnerships remains under scrutiny.
At the same time, The Africa Report provides critical insights into the legal quagmire that has entangled Onyema, noting that the latest obstruction of justice charges deepen the case against him. The seriousness of these allegations underscores the importance of ensuring that business entities like LIAT 2020 maintain their transparency and operational independence
The Bottom Line: A Clear Future for LIAT 2020
As LIAT 2020 distances itself from Allen Onyema’s legal battles, the airline’s leadership remains focused on delivering reliable and transparent services across the Caribbean. The press release has clarified any misinterpretation regarding the company’s ownership structure, emphasizing that Onyema holds no stake in the airline. However, his legal challenges in the U.S. remain unresolved and could have long-term consequences for his other business ventures, including Air Peace.
