By Francis Ajuonuma
Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace, has faulted reports alleging that its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, and Vice Chairman, Alice Ojochide Onyema, are facing a tax suit by the Lagos State Government.
In a statement issued by its management on Monday, the airline said neither its executives nor the company had been served with any court summons or official notification regarding the alleged legal action.
“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 company stated.
The airline described as “surprising and shocking” claims that legal proceedings had been ongoing since February without any formal communication to the concerned parties.
“The claim that legal proceedings have been ongoing since February, without service or formal communication, is quite surprising and shocking,” the statement added.
Air Peace maintained that all its tax obligations—both personal and corporate—have been fully settled in line with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
“We maintain that all personal and corporate tax obligations have been duly met and remain up to date, in full compliance with applicable laws,” it said.
However, the company expressed readiness to engage with the Lagos State Government should any discrepancies arise, emphasising transparency and adherence to due process.
“If there is any discrepancy in the computation of taxes, we remain open to engaging the Lagos State Government to review and reconcile any shortfalls in the interest of transparency and clarity,” the statement noted.
Reaffirming its role in Nigeria’s aviation sector, the airline stressed that it would remain focused on operations despite the controversy.
“We remain committed to the highest standards of professionalism and will not be distracted from serving the flying public.”
