Air Peace debunks tax evasion reports, questions claims against Allen Onyema

Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has dismissed reports alleging that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, and Vice Chairman, Alice Onyema, are facing a tax evasion suit filed by the Lagos State Government, describing the claims as surprising and unsubstantiated.

In a statement, the airline said neither the company nor its principal officers had been served with any court summons or official notification in relation to the alleged case.

It questioned the credibility of reports suggesting that legal proceedings had been ongoing since February without any formal communication to the parties involved.

The airline was reacting to earlier media reports which claimed that Allen Onyema had become embroiled in a legal dispute with the state government over an alleged tax liability amounting to N94 million.

According to those reports, the state’s revenue authorities initiated legal action against the airline founder and his wife weeks after he publicly criticised federal tax reform policies.

However, Air Peace said the development came as a shock, stressing that the organisation has maintained a long-standing commitment to regulatory compliance, transparency, and adherence to tax obligations.

The airline insisted that all its corporate and personal tax responsibilities have been fully settled and remain up to date in line with applicable laws and regulations.

It further expressed readiness to engage with the Lagos State Government should any discrepancies arise, noting that such dialogue would ensure clarity, accountability, and due process.

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Part of the statement read: “We wish to state unequivocally that neither the Onyemas nor Air Peace has been served with any court summons or official notification regarding the purported suit. The claim that legal proceedings have been ongoing since February, without service or formal communication, is quite surprising and shocking.”

It added, “We maintain that all personal and corporate tax obligations have been duly met and remain up to date, in full compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements. However, if there is any discrepancy in the computation of taxes, the Onyemas and Air Peace remain open to engaging the Lagos State Government to review and reconcile any shortfalls, in the interest of transparency, clarity, and due process.”

The carrier also highlighted the contributions of its leadership to the growth and stability of Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that Allen Onyema and Alice Onyema have demonstrated resilience and patriotism in sustaining operations despite challenging economic conditions.

Air Peace reaffirmed its commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient services to passengers across its network, stressing that it remains focused on its core operations and will not be distracted by what it described as unverified allegations.