EFCC Grills Allen Onyema Over $44.9m, Grants Him Administrative Leave

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has interrogated the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Ifechukwu Onyema.

 

This is part of the ongoing probe of alleged $44.9 million wire deals which is part of the indictment against him by the United States of America. According to The Nation, Onyema, who was quizzed on Wednesday, November 27, was subsequently placed on administrative bail.

It news outlet reports that Onyema's invitation was part of the ongoing collaboration with the FBI and other security networks. Going further, it was reported that the EFCC opted to interrogate Onyema after charges have been preferred against him and Ejiroghene Eghagha in the United States, becuase there are Nigerian components of the indictment.

“For instance, the US is seeking the forfeiture of over $13 million left in some accounts linked with the suspect in the United States and Canada.

The funds are $4,017,852.51 in JP Morgan Chase Bank in the US and $4,593,842.05 and $5,634,842.04 in the Bank of Montreal, Canada. “We cannot rule out some of the money in some accounts in Nigeria.

And our investigation may reveal the identities of other accomplices. Also, two Nigerian banks have been mentioned in the wire deals, especially transactions on purchase of aircraft.

“If there are assets to be seized in Nigeria, we have to collaborate with the US government on the forfeiture process.”