Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first visit to Nigeria was marred by controversy as reports emerged that Dr. Allen Onyema, a man facing bank fraud and money laundering charges in the US, greeted the royal couple. Onyema, the founder and CEO of Air Peace, facilitated the couple’s three-day tour of Nigeria, but the allegations against him raised questions about the couple’s awareness of such issues and faced criticism from within the royal family. The controversy highlights the importance of comprehensive background checks and due diligence in the planning of high-profile events.
Did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to Nigeria involve controversy?
Yes, the royal couple’s visit to Nigeria was overshadowed by reports of Dr. Allen Onyema, a man embroiled in alleged criminal activities, greeting them. Onyema, founder and CEO of Air Peace, is facing bank fraud and money laundering charges in the United States. The controversy raised questions about the couple’s awareness of such issues and faced criticism from within their own family.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, recently journeyed to Nigeria, marking their first-ever visit to the nation. This trip represents a return to the African continent following their visit to South Africa in 2019. The enthralling journey, however, became shadowed by reports that an international fugitive facing severe financial misconduct charges in the United States greeted the royal couple.
The energetic city of Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis, served as the setting for this high-profile visit. Dr. Allen Onyema, a man renowned for his entrepreneurial accomplishments and embroiled in alleged criminal activities, warmly received the royal couple. The 59-year-old founder and CEO of Air Peace, the Nigerian carrier that facilitated the Duke and Duchess’s three-day tour of the country, is a well-known personality in Nigeria. However, he is also embroiled in a US federal indictment originating from November 2019.
Serious Allegations and a Royal Visit
The US Department of Justice has charged Onyema with bank fraud and money laundering, as allegations suggest that he channeled over $20 million from Nigeria through US banks. The indictment outlines a scheme involving manipulated documents related to aircraft purchases. CNN reports suggest that Onyema allegedly utilized a portion of the laundered funds to acquire luxury items such as a Lexus, Rolls Royce, and a Mercedes, as well as high-end products from prestigious brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada.
These startling revelations overshadowed the royal visit, raising questions about the couple’s awareness of such issues. It remains unclear whether they were cognizant of Onyema’s legal predicaments.
Maintaining Innocence Amidst Controversy
Despite the grave accusations, Onyema vehemently asserts his innocence. As reported by the New York Post, he denies all allegations of money laundering and bank fraud, claiming that he has never engaged in such activities anywhere in the world. Onyema maintains that all funds transferred to the US for aircraft purchases were channeled through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Letter of Credit (LC) regime and were used for the stated purpose.
“Neither have I committed bank fraud anywhere in the world, nor have I ever laundered money in my life,” Onyema stated, asserting that all money transferred to the US for aircraft purchases went through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Letter of Credit (LC) regime and was used for the stated purpose.
Family Friction and Future Visits
The Duke and Duchess’s visit also faced criticism from within their own family. Reports suggest that Prince William and King Charles were outraged about the trip. Tom Quinn, a renowned royal author and expert, revealed that the conventional elements of an official royal visit – charity visits, school visits, receptions, and meetings with wounded soldiers and disabled individuals – were all part of the Sussexes’ trip to Nigeria.
“William is absolutely seething and determined to prevent this from happening in the future. Charles is reported to be angrier than anyone has ever seen him,” Quinn expressed to The Mirror. These internal tensions signal potential changes in the conduct of future royal visits. The controversy surrounding this visit serves as a stark reminder of the importance of comprehensive background checks and due diligence in the planning of such high-profile events.
What are the charges against Dr. Allen Onyema?
Dr. Allen Onyema is facing bank fraud and money laundering charges in the US for allegedly channeling over $20 million from Nigeria through US banks in a scheme involving manipulated documents related to aircraft purchases.
Did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle know about the allegations against Dr. Allen Onyema?
It remains unclear whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were aware of the allegations against Onyema before his warm reception during their visit to Nigeria.
How did the controversy affect the royal family?
Reports suggest that Prince William and King Charles were outraged about the visit and the controversy raised questions about the couple’s awareness of such issues, leading to potential changes in the conduct of future royal visits.
What is the importance of comprehensive background checks and due diligence in high-profile events?
The controversy surrounding the royal visit to Nigeria highlights the importance of comprehensive background checks and due diligence in the planning of high-profile events to avoid any potential controversies or scandals.
What were the conventional elements of the royal visit to Nigeria?
The conventional elements of an official royal visit, such as charity visits, school visits, receptions, and meetings with wounded soldiers and disabled individuals, were all part of the Duke and Duchess’s trip to Nigeria.
What is Dr. Allen Onyema’s response to the allegations against him?
Onyema maintains his innocence and denies all allegations of money laundering and bank fraud, claiming that all funds transferred to the US for aircraft purchases were channeled through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Letter of Credit (LC) regime and were used for the stated purpose.
