Charges Filed After Boarding Attempt with Fake Pass
A Houston man faces a felony charge for allegedly using a fraudulent boarding pass at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Authorities report that Abdulrahman Oluwatumike Oriyomi, 25, attempted to board a United Airlines flight on May 18, resulting in delays and security alerts. According to court documents, Oriyomi is charged with interfering with the operation of a critical infrastructure facility.
Details of the Alleged Incident
Prosecutors in Harris County requested a $25,000 bond, citing that the flight was delayed for about three hours due to the incident. Agencies such as the Houston Police Department and the FBI responded. Oriyomi allegedly passed through the TSA checkpoint and initially failed to board a flight using a fake pass. He later approached another gate and boarded United Flight 469 when employees were distracted.
“The Defendant delayed a flight for 3 hours with a full plane,” prosecutors noted.
Discovery and Security Response
A passenger told investigators that Oriyomi sat next to her but later moved, revealing that the seat was assigned to another person. Flight attendants discovered someone was in the restroom during taxiing. They contacted Oriyomi, who lacked an assigned seat. A review of the passenger manifest showed no authorized passenger under Oriyomi’s name. The plane returned to the gate, involving multiple security agencies.
Investigators found an image of a fraudulent boarding pass on Oriyomi’s phone lacking essential information and QR code. Court records suggest Oriyomi did not pay for a reservation, making it impossible to have a valid pass.
Bond Conditions and Court Proceedings
Prosecutors asked for bond conditions, including surrendering passports, avoiding airports, and electronic monitoring if ordered. It is unclear if all conditions were imposed. Court records did not identify Oriyomi’s attorney.
United Airlines and other involved entities have yet to comment. The case proceeds in Harris County’s 180th District Court.