Social media activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, popularly called Mr Jollof, may face legal action after they got into a physical fight on a United Nigeria Airlines flight on Monday.
The disagreement began as an argument but soon turned violent, causing chaos on the Asaba–Lagos flight. A viral video showed passengers and flight crew trying to separate the two as they exchanged blows.
After the incident, VeryDarkMan posted a video online claiming he confronted Mr Jollof, saying, “I don chop Jollof father for inside the plane. He bite me,” while insisting he stood his ground during the fight.
Although the reason for the fight is still unknown, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) condemned the behaviour, stating that both men violated aviation safety rules and would face sanctions.
Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, announced on X that there would be no tolerance for such behaviour, especially from public figures who influence millions.
He explained that the airline must officially report the incident before legal and regulatory actions begin, adding that their actions endangered the safety of passengers, crew, and the aircraft.
A review of the Civil Aviation Act 2022 shows that such behaviour is punishable by fines or imprisonment. Section 84 states that violence on board that endangers safety attracts a fine of at least ₦2 million or up to five years in prison. Section 85 also states that obstructing a flight crew member can result in a fine of up to ₦200,000 or at least two months’ imprisonment.
Following the incident, United Nigeria Airlines said both men were removed from the flight and handed over to airport security. In an official statement, the airline confirmed the altercation happened during boarding and said safety protocols were followed.
The airline reassured the public that it maintains zero tolerance for any action that threatens the safety or comfort of passengers and will continue prioritising high safety standards.
The clash is believed to be connected to ongoing online disputes between the two personalities.
Incidents of unruly behaviour on flights have been increasing. In recent months, notable figures such as Fuji star KWAM 1 and a passenger identified as Comfort Emmanson were also involved in similar cases, raising concerns among aviation stakeholders and travellers.
