EFCC seizes Onyema’s passport over fraud indictment

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the passport of embattled chief executive officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema after being indicted for bank fraud and laundering over $20 million from Nigeria through US bank accounts in a scheme involving false documents which he allegedly used in buying aeroplanes.

The passport of the Airline CEO was seized by the anti-graft agency after being grilled by its operatives over his involvement in the alleged scam.

A EFCC source told The Nation that the anti-graft agency needs to establish a prima facie case, arraign the suspect in court before any extradition application can be initiated.

“Following his interaction with our detectives, it became imperative to restrict his movement to the country because we will need him from time to time,” the newspaper quoted a source in the commission have said.

“We have seized his passports for an unfettered comprehensive investigation. And so far, he has cooperated with our team.

“During our interaction, he maintained his innocence. We have, however, made progress in our preliminary investigation.

“The extradition process is within the purview of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. You should not forget that the EFCC has to investigate, establish prima facie case and arraigning the suspects in court before any extradition application can be initiated.

“The US government knows what to do as far as the invocation of the MLAT is concerned. We are only fulfilling our own part of the collaboration with the relevant US agencies.”