Newark Airport Security Supervisor Busted for Using Dead Man’s ID

A Nigerian who came to the U.S. 23 years ago – and assumed the identify of a murder victim, so he could remain in the country – has pleaded guilty to using a fraudulent security clearance ID to work as a supervisor for a private firm that provides security services at Newark Liberty Airport.

54- year-old Bimbo Peter Oyewole of Elizabeth pleaded guilty to an accusation charging him with exhibiting a false government document, which is a third-degree offense.

He admitted in court that he used the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of Jerry E. Thomas, who was murdered in Queens, New York 21 years ago, in order to get an airport security ID card, called a Secure Identification Display Area Card, which gave him access to secure areas, including the tarmac and airplanes.

Under the plea arrangement, the state will recommend that Oyewole be sentenced to a term of probation, but he must forfeit his position at Newark Liberty Airport, and he faces potential deportation.

Jersey Attorney General Jeff Chiesa says “the Port Authority moved swiftly to arrest this defendant and remove him from his security position at the airport when they learned he was using a false identity - my office, in turn, worked closely with the Port Authority’s Office of Inspector General, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement, and the New York City Police to investigate him, and ensure he was not a threat to national security.”

Stephen Taylor, the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice says “whatever the motive, it’s a serious crime to falsify government documents, particularly when it involves identity theft and issues of public security - this defendant has rightly faced serious consequences.”

Oyewole, by the time he is sentenced, will have spent roughly six months in custody. He will be a convicted felon, and he will continue to be detained by federal authorities, pending potential deportation.