A Nigerian pilot, Olukayode Ojo, 36, faces a five-year jail term in Texas, US, for making false statements to obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate. Ojo was found guilty on August 16, 2024, and is being held in detention until his sentencing.
US Attorney Robert Troester announced Ojo’s conviction, stating that he had attempted to obtain a medical certificate necessary for piloting a commercial passenger aircraft. The case was investigated by the Transportation Security Administration and prosecuted by Assistant US Attorneys Jackson Eldridge and Matt Dillon.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that Ojo had pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor theft charges in Kentucky state court in February 2023, related to the theft of passenger luggage. He then made false statements to the FAA in March 2023 and March 2024 while applying for a First Class Medical Certificate, concealing his history of prior criminal convictions.
Ojo faces a potential sentence of up to five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000 for each count. His conviction is a result of an investigation by the Transportation Security Administration and prosecution by the US Attorney’s office.
Key points:
- Nigerian pilot Olukayode Ojo faces five-year jail term for making false statements to FAA
- Ojo found guilty on August 16, 2024, and held in detention until sentencing
- Conviction related to attempt to obtain medical certificate for commercial passenger aircraft
- Ojo had pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft charges in Kentucky state court in February 2023
- Faces potential sentence of up to five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000 for each count.
