Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s recent visit to Lagos, Nigeria, was marked by an unexpected and controversial twist. The couple’s welcoming committee reportedly included Dr. Allen Onyema, a fugitive wanted in the United States for alleged involvement in a $20 million money laundering and bank fraud scheme. This revelation has added a layer of intrigue and scandal to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s three-day tour of Nigeria.
A Warm, Yet Controversial Welcome
On May 12, Meghan and Harry were greeted in Lagos by a group of dignitaries, among them Dr. Allen Onyema, the CEO and chairman of Nigerian airline Air Peace. A video published by the Daily Mail shows Onyema, dressed in a navy outfit, red kufi hat, and sunglasses, standing next to the Sussexes and engaging in conversation with Markle during a performance held in their honor.
The Charges Against Onyema
Dr. Allen Onyema is not just any businessman. In November 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Onyema faced 27 counts of money laundering, three counts of bank fraud, three counts of credit application fraud, and two conspiracy charges. He allegedly moved more than $20 million from Nigeria through U.S. bank accounts using falsified documents related to the purchase of airplanes. An associate of Onyema also allegedly laundered over $16 million of the fraud proceeds.
The Sussexes’ Flight on Air Peace
Interestingly, Prince Harry and Meghan’s original travel plans did not include flying with Air Peace. According to the Daily Mail, they switched to Onyema’s airline at the last minute for undisclosed reasons. This decision inadvertently placed them in the company of Onyema, whose legal troubles were not known to the couple at the time.
Onyema’s Denial and Legal Battle
Onyema has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing. In a 2019 statement, he declared, “I never laundered money in my life, neither have I committed bank fraud anywhere in the world.” He emphasized that all funds transferred to the U.S. for aircraft purchases went through the Central Bank of Nigeria and were used solely for that purpose. Onyema remains determined to clear his name in U.S. courts, asserting his willingness to defend his innocence.
Impact on the Sussexes’ Visit
Despite the controversy, there is no indication that Prince Harry and Meghan were aware of Onyema’s legal issues during their visit. The couple’s Nigerian tour proceeded without any public comment on the matter. They wrapped up their trip and returned to California on May 14, reuniting with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, just in time to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.
Reactions and Speculations
The news of Onyema’s involvement has sparked considerable discussion and speculation among royal watchers and fans of the Sussexes. Many are curious about the implications of this encounter for the couple, who have been navigating a complex public image since stepping back from their royal duties. This incident adds another layer to their ongoing narrative of life beyond the royal family.
Conclusion
As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how this unexpected encounter will affect public perceptions of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. For now, the focus remains on their dedication to their charitable endeavors and their efforts to balance public engagements with family life. The presence of a fugitive CEO at their Nigerian welcome adds a dramatic twist to their latest international tour, underscoring the unpredictable nature of their post-royal journey.
