Olukayode Ojo, a 36-year-old Nigerian pilot, is facing a potential five-year prison sentence in Texas after being found guilty of making false statements to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to secure a medical certificate. The conviction occurred on August 16, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Jodi Dishman has ordered Ojo to remain in custody until his sentencing. According to U.S. Attorney Robert Troester, Ojo was convicted on two counts of making false statements.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Ojo, an FAA-certified commercial airline pilot, had previously pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor theft charges related to the theft of passenger luggage at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport on February 8, 2023.
The false statements were made during his applications for an FAA First Class Medical Certificate in March 2023 and March 2024, intended to conceal his earlier criminal convictions. The Transportation Security Administration—Investigations led the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jackson Eldridge and Matt Dillon handling the prosecution.
Ojo now faces up to five years in federal prison for each count, along with fines up to $250,000 per count. His sentencing date is yet to be announced.
