The Federal Government is probing a physical altercation aboard a commercial flight between media commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, widely referred to as Mr Jollof.
The incident, captured in a viral video on Monday, occurred on a United Nigeria Airlines aircraft scheduled to depart Asaba, Delta State, for Lagos. Passengers on the flight were seen scrambling to separate the two men as they exchanged punches in the middle of the cabin. The disruption forced the crew to intervene and eventually deboard both individuals before takeoff.
According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation escalated rapidly, causing panic among passengers who feared the fight could compromise onboard safety. Airport security officers later took custody of the duo for interrogation.
Reacting to the development, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA,condemned the behaviour and confirmed that sanctions would be pursued. The NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, described the conduct as “unacceptable, dangerous, and a violation of aviation safety regulations.”
Achimugu, in a series of posts on X, said: “There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full strength of the law. It is even more troubling because they are public figures who regularly preach against such behaviour.”
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He stated that the NCAA has already begun assessing the safety implications, adding that the agency has spent considerable resources educating passengers on the risks associated with disruptive conduct on flights.
He also queried whether the pilot attempted to continue the journey with both men on board, warning that such a decision would attract regulatory consequences. However, he later confirmed that VDM and Mr Jollof were removed from the aircraft before departure.
“The safety of passengers and crew is paramount. No matter the provocation, violence inside an aircraft is unacceptable,” Achimugu said.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities review statements from the airline, passengers, and crew to determine the appropriate punishment under civil aviation regulations.
