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American bartender took $20k to aid Onyema’s ‘$20m fraud’ – Report

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An American woman, Ebony Mayfield, who allegedly aided Allen Onyema, founder of Air Peace, in facilitating a $20 million bank fraud, has admitted to receiving $20,000 for her roles over a period of two years.

She reportedly pleaded guilty to the charge at the United States district court for the northern district of Georgia, in Atlanta, on June 29.

Following her guilty plea, Eleanor Ross, trial judge, has fixed October 28 for her sentencing, Premium Times reported.

Ahead of the sentencing scheduled for Friday, Mayfield, a bartender and nightclub dancer, has pleaded with the judge to sentence her to conditional release, instead of imprisonment.

She admitted in her court filing submitted by her lawyer that she behaved irrationally by helping Onyema sign the fake documents.

Mayfield was also said to have admit that she received $20,000 over the two years period for the part she played in the fraud.

Manubir Arora, her lawyer, in a document filed on October 13, wrote: “There is no doubt Ms. Mayfield knew right from wrong. She behaved irrationally in trying to help the co-defendants by signing false forms for their benefit.”

“Over the period of the conspiracy, Mayfield was paid approximately $20,000 in total by the co-defendants to sign and file the paperwork at issue.”

Mayfield was quoted as saying her acts were “a tremendous aberration from the person she actually is”.

However, she said it makes no excuses for her poor decision making.

Therefore, according to the court filing, she urged the judge to show leniency in sentencing as she “tried to make amends for her actions by confessing to law enforcement when arrested, cooperating with federal authorities as the investigation continued, and finally, accepting responsibility”.

‘MAYFIELD: MANAGER AT SPRINGFIELD AVIATION’

Mayfield was engaged by Onyema as a manager for his Atlanta, Gerogia-based Springfield Aviation Company LLC in 2016.

The company was purportedly set up “to specialise in the wholesaling, trading, and sale of commercial aircraft and parts”.

Prosecutors said she was engaged to enter into aviation-related contracts on behalf of Springfield Aviation, despite her lack of education, training, or licensing in the review and valuation of aircraft and aircraft components.

In her plea bargain filed in June, she confessed to signing and submitting fake documents enabling a $20 million credit disbursement from Nigeria to US bank accounts.

The payment was purportedly made for Air Peace to acquire five Boeing 737 passenger planes from Springfield Aviation.

Both Air Peace, a Nigerian commercial airline, and the purported aircraft seller, Springfield Aviation, are owned by Onyema.

Prosecutors alleged that the aircraft referenced in the letters of credit and other fake documents submitted with respect to the deal were already owned by Air Peace — none of them ever belonged to Springfield Aviation.

Under the law she was charged with, Mayfield risks a maximum jail term of five years as her punishment, aside full restitution of the proceeds she derived from the alleged crime.

In 2019, US authorities had said Onyema allegedly moved more than $20 million from Nigeria through US bank accounts in a scheme involving “false documents” for the purchase of airplanes.

He was indicted alongside Ejiroghene Eghagha, the airline’s chief of administration and finance, who is said to have committed “aggravated identity theft” in connection with the scheme.

Onyema allegedly issued several fraudulent letters of credit to American banks and was said to have initiated wire transfers to the tune of $44.9 million within eight years.

The Nigerian businessman has since denied the allegation levelled against him, describing it as unfounded.

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ENHANCING PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY: THE HALO TRUST AND US GOVERNMENT PARTNER TO PROVIDE AMMUNITION HANDLING AND ACCOUNTING TRAINING AT IKEJA LAGOS.

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The Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (NPF EOD-CBRN) has successfully completed the first batch of training for 19 personnel on Ammunition Handling and Accounting Course. The training, held in Ikeja, Lagos, from December 3-20, 2024, was organized by The HALO Trust and sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

According to The HALO Trust’s Country Director for Nigeria, Prince Ganiyu Otunba, this training is part of aholistic NPF-HALO developed project aimed at supporting personnel capacity building, addressing equipment needs, and enhancing the operational readiness of the NPF EOD-CBRN Command to mitigate explosive ordnance threats in Nigeria. A second batch of 22 personnel is scheduled to undergo the same training in January.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, through the CP EOD–CBRN CP Patrick Atayeroexpressed gratitude to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs andThe Trust HALO for their support.

The training aimed to equip NPF EOD-CBRN personnel with the knowledge, skills, and best practices necessary to handle and account for ammunition and explosives safely and securely. The course also focused on ensuring proper accounting and record-keeping, preventing theft and diversion, reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites, and promoting international best practices.

The NPF appreciates the support provided by the United States government, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the society.

CP Patrick Atayero emphasized the importance of responsible ammunition management in preventing the proliferation of illicit weapons and reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate with the Police in efforts to prevent the diversion, misuse, and unauthorized handling of explosive and other hazardous materials.

About HALO

The HALO Trust is the world’s largest humanitarian organization engaged in the field of Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management. With over 35 years’ experience, The HALO Trust is the most experienced organization in the field of Weapons and Ammunition Management, rehabilitating and constructing armouries and ammunition stores to international standards, disposing of unsafe and unserviceable weapons and ammunition, and building national capacity to allow for the safe, accountable and secure management and control of weapons and ammunition.

The HALO Trust presently implements Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management projects in 30 countries and territories. In 2024, HALO trained a total of 106 Nigeria security forces personnel in weapons and ammunition management.

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Aliu Gafar delivers stellar performance as Esusu in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors

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By Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

The much-anticipated movie series Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo has finally premiered, currently showing on Netflix, captivating audiences with its intricate storytelling and compelling characters.

The movie begins with a haunting scene of seven women under a mysterious spell leaping to their deaths from a waterfall, setting the tone for a gripping tale that unravels in Ilara Kingdom.

The series explores various societal issues, including corruption, greed, gluttony, family values, malicious conspiracies, and the delicate balance of law and order.

Central to its plot is the calamitous fate of Oba Adedunjoye, the Onilara of Ilara, whose failure to perform traditional rites—symbolised by knocking on seven doors—unleashes devastating consequences on his kingdom.

At the heart of this chaos is Esusu, a malevolent and exiled villain whose return wreaks havoc.

Esusu, a ni ohun t’Eledumare o ni.
Eledumare o ni ika, ika ni Esusu

The character of Esusu, pivotal to the story’s depth, is masterfully brought to life by Aliu Gafar.

Gafar’s first appearance, late in Episode 2, immediately shifts the narrative, introducing a chilling force that spares no one, not even the royal family. His commanding portrayal encapsulates the essence of Esusu, a man whose wickedness defies comprehension.

The backstory reveals Esusu’s sinister pact with Ọba Adejuwọn, an ancestor of Adedunjoye.

Desperation led Adejuwon to seek Esusu’s help to evade death—a move that came at an unthinkable cost, forgetting that bi alọ ba lọ, abọ nbọ (a pendulum that swings to is still coming to swing fro).

Esusu’s return demanded not only royal treatment but the freedom to live as he pleased, challenging the very fabric of the kingdom.

Gafar embodies this complex character with remarkable precision, delivering a performance that is both chilling and unforgettable.

With almost two decades in Nollywood, Aliu Gafar has solidified his reputation as a versatile and dedicated actor.

His extensive filmography includes acclaimed productions such as Jagun Jagun, Anikulapo, Iyalode, Eefin, and Omo Ajele.

His role in Seven Doors further cements his legacy as a master of his craft, showcasing his ability to seamlessly portray multifaceted characters.

The Yoruba actor has also garnered accolades for his work, including the Best Actor award at the Dallas International Yoruba Movies Awards for his role in Peregun.

His commitment to the industry and his talent for captivating performances continue to make him a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood.

In Seven Doors, Gafar’s nuanced performance as Esusu elevates the series, demonstrating his ability to command attention and bring depth to a complex narrative.

His contribution to the Nigerian film industry remains invaluable, and his portrayal of Esusu is a testament to his enduring excellence.

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Ogun State Prominent Monarchs, Business Tycoons, Others Honor Olusho Agba At The Confession 2024

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The Olusho Agba’s confession 2024 attracted more dignitaries as three respected monarchs in Ogun honour the event by physical appearance, alongside side most prominent CEOs in Ogun.

 

The royal fathers present at the laudable event held at Continental Suits in Abeokuta include HRM Oba Oyabanji Adetunji (Oloja Of Oja Odan) HRM Oba Buhari Makinde (Oniwoye of Iwoye Land) HRM. Oba Lukmon Kuoye (Olu of Imasayi).

 

Also Chief Executive Officer of IBD Foundation, Dr. Mrs. Lara Dende, the Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited Amb. Dr Tunde Adeyemo and CEO of Zolakaz Oil and Gas Alh. Sanni Azeez was also present at the event.

 

The Confession 2024 features a series of content creators, comedians, singers and dancers, and artists of different fields such as Dr Smile, Hafeez Oyetoro (Simply Saka), Woli 3310, Chukwuka Jude, Babalegba

Biola Adekunle, Femi Obimodede, Ishau Abidemi, and many more.

 

Below are some pictures from the event…

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