LIAT 2020 issues statement on ownership

St John’s, Antigua – LIAT (2020) Limited on Tuesday said that the company’s ownership and operations were not impacted following the decision by the United States law enforcement authorities to indict the chief executive officer of the Nigeria-based Air Peace Limited, Dr Allen Onyema, for obstruction of justice.

Last week, the US Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Georgia said that Onyema, the chairman, CEO, and founder of Air Peace Limited, was charged in a superseding indictment with obstruction of justice for submitting false documents to the government in an effort to end an investigation of him that resulted in earlier charges of bank fraud and money laundering.

The airline’s chief of administration and finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, was also charged for participating in the obstruction scheme, as well as in the earlier bank fraud counts.

In its statement, LIAT (2020) Limited said that 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 remains at the forefront of our operations,” it said, adding that “this statement serves to address any misconceptions and reaffirm our dedication to delivering exceptional customer experience across the Caribbean”.

The statement said LIAT (2020) Limited, was a local company incorporated under the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda and a joint venture between the Antigua and Barbuda government (GOAB) and Air Peace Caribbean Limited (APCL), another local company incorporated under the laws of the island.

It said that the shareholding structure was 30 per cent for the GOAB and 70 per cent 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, directorship, nor is he involved in APCL or LIAT (2020) Ltd,” the statement added.

LIAT (2020) Limited said it wanted to reassure its stakeholders, that the company’s ownership and operations have not been impacted by the incorrect speculations regarding Onyema,  adding “we emphasise 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,” the statement added.

In a statement posted on its official X platform, Air Peace Limited said its two senior officials remained innocent of the charges filed against them by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), adding that the charges stemmed from earlier accusations. It assured its customers that the court processes would not affect the airline’s operations.

Air Peace Limited said it was aware of the recent media reports concerning its two senior officials, adding “we understand that this may have raised concerns, and we wish to address these reports directly.

“These charges levelled against our post-holders are part of an extended legal process stemming from earlier accusations of financial misdeeds that date back several years.

“While the charges have been expanded, it is essential to emphasise that both Dr Onyema and Mrs Eghagha remain innocent and these are mere allegations, and the case is still in court.” (CMC)

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