The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has condemned the clash aboard a United Nigeria Airlines flight on Monday between Social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, aka Mr Jollof.
NCAA may likely prosecute the two men for fighting on board.
There was commotion on the Asaba-Lagos flight after what started as an argument between the two escalated into a physical fight.
According to a viral video on social media, crew members and concerned passengers rushed to intervene as both parties exchanged blows.
Confirming the incident, Verydarkman posted a video on his Facebook page claiming he had dealt with Mr Jollof during the altercation.
In a post on X, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, stated that the conduct of the two influencers was a violation of aviation safety rules
“There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full strength of the law,” he wrote, adding that it was “even more shameful” given that the pair often preach responsible conduct to millions of followers.
He said the airline was expected to formally report the matter to the NCAA, after which legal and regulatory actions would follow.
“There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full strength of the law,” the spokesperson tweeted.
He also highlighted the responsibility of the influencers, saying, “It is even more shameful when one considers both of them partners in educating their millions of followers to avoid unruly behaviour.”
The spokesperson noted that the airline should report the incident to the NCAA, and legal action would follow.
“The actions of both men put the safety of all other passengers and the crew at risk. It also put the safety of the aircraft at risk,” he stated.
He stressed the regulator’s commitment to passenger education, stating, “The NCAA has exerted a lot of energy and resources in educating passengers about the dangers of unruly behaviour and its consequences. In this case, no matter what led to the fracas, there is no excuse that makes it acceptable.”
Checks however, revealed that Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Act, 2022, criminalises such action.
Under Section 84, acts of violence on board an aircraft that could endanger its safety attract a minimum fine of N2 million or up to five years’ imprisonment, or both.
Section 85 also reads that, “Whoever, while onboard an aircraft, interferes with a crew member and such interference impedes the performance of the crew member’s duties, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not more than N200,000 or imprisonment for a term of at least two months or both.”
While the NCAA assesses the situation, VDM and Mr Jollof are likely to pay the fine or face jail terms.
Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines claimed it had immediately handed the duo over to airport security after its crew intervened and deboarded them to maintain safety and order.
This was disclosed in a statement on the airline’s official X account on Monday.
The statement read, “United Nigeria Airlines confirms that an altercation occurred between two passengers, identified as Martins Vincent Otse ‘VeryDarkman’ and Freedom Okpetoritse Atsepoyi ‘Mr. Jollof’, during the boarding of Flight UN0523 at Asaba International Airport on the morning of 17 November 2025.”
“In full compliance with global aviation safety protocols, our crew responded immediately and professionally to de-escalate the situation. Both passengers were deboarded without delay to ensure the safety, comfort, and security of all other passengers and crew members. They were subsequently handed over to airport security for further investigation.”
Reaffirming its safety policies, the carrier added that it placed the highest priority on safety and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any conduct that threatens the security or well-being of passengers or crew.
“After all standard procedures were completed, the flight departed safely while the passengers involved in the altercation were still with the authorities,” the statement added.
The airline further assured travellers of its continued commitment to high operational standards, adding, “We remain firmly committed to providing a safe, respectful, and secure travel experience across our network.”
While the cause of the altercation remained unclear, the clash is believed to be an extension of weeks-long online hostilities between the two personalities.
VDM posted on his X: “I don chop Jollof father for inside the plane. He bit me, man, wey de bite,” insisting that he confronted the comedian.”
