Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have found themselves at the center of controversy following their recent trip to Nigeria, where they reportedly used an airline service linked to a businessman with legal troubles in the United States. The couple, during their three-day visit, attended various events around Nigeria, and while they chose British Airways for international travel, their domestic flights within the country were provided by Air Peace.
The owner of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, has been implicated in serious legal allegations. According to reports by the Daily Mail, Onyema faces “multiple charges linked to millions of dollars’ worth of alleged fraud set down in a federal indictment filed in November 2019.” These charges suggest that he may have used his position as a business leader and airline executive to launder more than £16 million ($20 million) from Nigeria through U.S. bank accounts.
Despite these serious allegations against Onyema, a source close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has defended the couple’s choice of airline, stating that their travel within Nigeria was organized by the Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff. The source, who spoke to the Daily Beast, emphasized that Air Peace is the largest airline in Nigeria and West Africa, offering daily flights between Lagos and London Gatwick Airport, underscoring the operational scale and regional importance of the airline.
There is currently no evidence or indication that Harry and Meghan were aware of the legal controversies surrounding the airline’s owner at the time of their travel. The source close to the couple has dismissed the backlash, suggesting that the travel arrangements were a matter of logistical convenience rather than a deliberate endorsement of Onyema or his business practices.
The trip has also attracted criticism from royal commentators, with one accusing Harry and Meghan of having ambitions to “take over” from King Charles. This comment reflects the ongoing scrutiny and speculation about the couple’s motives and actions as they continue to navigate their roles within and alongside the Royal Family.
The situation highlights the complexities and challenges that Harry and Meghan face as they engage in international travel and humanitarian work, particularly in regions where business practices and legal standards may attract international attention and controversy. The backlash from this trip underscores the delicate balance of public perception and the need for careful consideration of associations and partnerships in their continuing philanthropic and professional endeavors.