The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced an investigation into the physical confrontation between two high-profile social media personalities, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, aka Mr Jollof, while onboard a United Nigeria Airlines flight on Monday.
The incident, which occurred on United Nigeria Airlines Flight UN0523 at Asaba International Airport, prompted immediate action from the airline crew to ensure passenger safety and maintain order on board.
In an official statement signed by Chibuike Uloka, Public Relations Officer, United Nigeria Airlines, the airline confirmed the incident, stating that both men were promptly disembarked in full compliance with global aviation safety protocols.
“United Nigeria Airlines places 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,” the statement read.
“Both passengers were handed over to airport security for further investigation. The flight departed safely without them.”
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The airline reiterated its commitment to safe, respectful, and secure travel experiences for all passengers across its network.
Eyewitnesses reported that the dispute escalated quickly after boarding, with both men shouting before engaging in a physical scuffle. Fellow passengers captured the altercation on video, which quickly went viral.
Sources indicate that the clash was the latest chapter in a months-long online feud, during which VDM had accused Mr Jollof’s wife of infidelity — accusations that reignited tensions between the two influencers. The incident was first posted online by Dr Paul Ezekiel, confirming it occurred on the Asaba–Lagos flight. VDM later appeared in a self-recorded video claiming he “dealt with” the comedian.
NCAA Condemns Unruly Behaviour
Michael Achimugu, spokesperson for the NCAA Consumer Affairs Department, condemned the incident in a public statement, stressing that aviation safety is non-negotiable.
“There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full strength of the law.”
Achimugu, who said he first saw the viral video while on another flight, noted that the NCAA has invested heavily in public education about disruptive behaviour. He added that an official report from the airline is being awaited to confirm whether standard deplaning procedures were followed, a key factor in determining sanctions.
“Regardless of the cause, there is no excuse that makes such behaviour acceptable on any flight,” he said.
If investigations establish that aviation safety was compromised, both VDM and Mr Jollof may face fines, flight bans, or prosecution under Nigerian aviation regulations.
The altercation highlights the risks of online feuds spilling over into real-world consequences. Social media observers note that VDM and Mr Jollof have repeatedly traded insults online, often attracting trending attention, but this marks the first time their hostility threatened aviation safety.
Both United Nigeria Airlines and the NCAA reiterated that passenger safety and crew security are paramount and that disruptive behaviour aboard aircraft constitutes a serious breach under Nigerian and international aviation laws.
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The airline’s statement concluded: “We remain firmly committed to providing a safe, respectful, and secure travel experience across our network.” The NCAA has confirmed that appropriate sanctions will be announced once investigations conclude.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
