Olukayode Ojo, a 36-year-old Nigerian, has been found guilty of making false statements to obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate and now faces up to five years in federal prison. The conviction was announced by US Attorney Robert Troester on Monday.
Ojo’s conviction stems from his attempt to secure a medical certificate necessary for piloting commercial passenger aircraft. He was found guilty on August 16, 2024, following a federal jury trial.
According to Troester, the case was part of an investigation by the Transportation Security Administration—Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jackson Eldridge and Matt Dillon.
The case began when Ojo was indicted on June 4, 2024, on two counts of making false statements. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Ojo, who was already an FAA-certified commercial airline pilot, had a prior criminal record. On February 8, 2023, Ojo pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor theft charges in Kentucky. These charges were related to the theft of passenger luggage at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Despite this, Ojo applied for an FAA First Class Medical Certificate in March 2023 and March 2024. This certificate is required to pilot commercial aircraft. In his applications, Ojo made false statements to hide his previous criminal convictions.
As a result of his conviction, Ojo faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. Additionally, he could be fined up to $250,000 for each count of false statements. The sentencing will take place later this year.
