Harry and Meghan break silence over their free Nigeria flights from 'fugitive airline boss'
22.05.2024 - 11:59
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have responded to allegations that they accepted complimentary flights within Nigeria from an airline company led by a man reportedly under indictment in the United States.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in Nigeria for a three-day visit nearly two weeks ago, focusing on mental health support for soldiers and youth empowerment as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Invictus Games.
During their stay, the former royal couple attended various events across the nation and while British Airways was their carrier for international travel, domestic flights were courtesy of Air Peace, the Express reports.
However, the Mail has reported that Air Peace's founder, Dr. Allen Onyema, is facing "multiple charges linked to millions of dollars' worth of alleged fraud set down in a federal indictment filed in November 2019".
A source close to the Sussexes has since refuted these claims, stating that their internal travel arrangements were made by the Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff, as reported by the Daily Beast.
The source also highlighted that Air Peace is the biggest airline in Nigeria and West Africa, offering regular services from Lagos to London Gatwick.
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The indictment accuses Onyema of laundering over £16million ($20million) from Nigeria through American bank accounts, as per the publication.
Nonetheless, it has been noted that there is no evidence suggesting Harry or Meghan had knowledge of the legal issues facing the airline's proprietor.
The couple faced criticism for their latest jaunt, with a royal commentator branding the move "very dangerous" and alleging they aim to