Allen Ifechukwu Onyema is a Nigerian lawyer and entrepreneur who was born in 1964. He founded Air Peace Limited in 2013 and currently holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at the company.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Allen Ifechukwu Onyema |
| Date Of Birth: | 1964 |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| State of Origin: | Anambra |
| Spouse: | Alice Ojochida Onyema |
| Children: | 4 |
| Occupation: | Lawyer, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth: | $3 Billion |
Early Life
Born as the eldest of nine siblings in March 1964 in Benin City to Michael and Helen Onyema, Allen Ifechukwu Onyema is a proud native of Mbosi in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria.
Education
Allen Ifechukwu Onyema embarked on his academic journey in law at the University of Ibadan, where he completed his studies and obtained his degree in 1987.Â
Subsequently, he furthered his legal education at the Nigerian Law School and was officially called to the Bar in 1989.Â
Allen’s educational background includes attending Government College in Ughelli, Delta state, where he obtained his Higher School Certificate before gaining admission to study law at the prestigious University of Ibadan in 1984.
During his time at the University of Ibadan, Allen demonstrated his commitment to peace by leading a group of students on a mission to quell a religious and ethnic riot in Zaria, which resulted in saving lives.Â
This experience sparked his interest in promoting harmony among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups, leading to the establishment of the Eminent Friends’ Group, dedicated to fostering ethnic unity and combating violence. The group expanded nationwide following his graduation in 1987, with branches established in all states of the federation.
While pursuing his legal studies at the Nigerian Law School, Allen continued his activism for peace and social causes in Nigeria. In 2013, he founded Air Peace Limited, a leading airline based in Nigeria, reflecting his commitment to excellence and innovation in the aviation industry.
Indictment
In a series of legal events, Allen Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, faced accusations of money laundering and bank fraud by the US Department of Justice in 2019.Â
These charges alleged that he falsified documents for airplane purchases to finance luxury expenses. Onyema refuted these claims. Subsequently, in October 2022, a co-conspirator admitted guilt and received a penalty. Onyema and Air Peace’s CFO were hit with 36 criminal charges.Â
In October 2024, Onyema faced additional legal trouble with two counts of obstructing justice and conspiracy, arising from allegations of tampering with defense documents.
Personal Life
Allen Ifechukwu Onyema tied the knot at the young age of 27 with the woman of his dreams, Alice Ojochide Onyema, who hails from Kogi state and is of Igala descent.Â
The couple, who got married shortly after Allen’s mother passed away from kidney failure in 1993, have been blessed with four children – one daughter and three sons.
Allen Onyema Net Worth
With an estimated net worth of $3 billion, Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, known as the founder and CEO of Air Peace, has amassed a significant fortune from his prosperous aviation venture, launched in 2013 with a vision to enhance employment prospects in Nigeria.
In addition to his business acumen, Onyema is acclaimed for his philanthropic engagements and his endeavors in mediating conflicts across the nation.