Olukayode Ojo, a 36-year-old Nigerian pilot, has been convicted in Texas of making false statements to secure a medical certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Ojo, who had been seeking the certificate necessary for piloting commercial passenger aircraft, was found guilty on August 16, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Jodi Dishman has ordered Ojo’s detention until sentencing, which could result in a significant penalty of up to five years in federal prison. This underscores the serious nature of Ojo’s actions and the potential consequences of such behaviour in the aviation industry.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jackson Eldridge and Matt Dillon prosecuted the case, which was part of an ongoing investigation by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Investigations.
U.S. Attorney Robert Troester announced Ojo’s conviction on Monday, underscoring the importance of truthfulness in aviation safety and regulations. He revealed that the pilot had attempted to conceal a history of criminal convictions from the FAA, a serious breach of trust and safety.
Ojo, who had previously pleaded guilty to two misdemeanour theft charges related to passenger luggage theft at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, made calculated and deliberate false statements to the FAA in March 2023 and March 2024 while applying for an FAA First Class Medical Certificate. His attempts to conceal his criminal record were not accidental, but a deliberate act to secure the certificate.
The false statements were intended to hide his criminal record, which is pertinent for obtaining the medical certificate required to pilot commercial aircraft.
For each count, Ojo faces substantial fines of up to $250,000 in addition to the potential prison term. This underscores the seriousness of his actions and the potential consequences for those who attempt to deceive aviation authorities.