Unruly passenger clash on a United Nigeria Airlines flight may lead to criminal prosecution for VDM and Mr Jollof, the NCAA warns

Unruly passenger clash aboard a United Nigeria Airlines flight has placed social media activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, also called Mr Jollof, at the centre of possible criminal prosecution.

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Both men were involved in a heated confrontation on Monday that escalated from a verbal disagreement to a physical struggle, prompting immediate crew intervention.

A viral video captured the moment the two exchanged blows on the Asaba–Lagos flight as passengers and airline staff stepped in to calm the situation.

Shortly after, VeryDarkMan posted a video on Facebook claiming he had confronted the comedian, adding colourful remarks about the fracas.

Although the root cause remains unclear, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority condemned the behaviour and warned that both influencers would face the full force of aviation law.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, said the conduct breached core safety rules and demonstrated poor judgement from public figures who often preach responsible behaviour to their followers.

He confirmed that the airline is expected to file a formal report, after which legal and regulatory processes will begin.

Achimugu stressed that their fight endangered passengers, crew and the aircraft, leaving no room for excuses regardless of what sparked the altercation.

Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Act, 2022, outlines stiff penalties for such actions. Section 84 criminalises acts of violence onboard an aircraft that could endanger its safety, with offenders facing fines of at least N2 million or imprisonment of up to five years.

Section 85 adds that interfering with crew duties could attract fines up to N200,000 or at least two months in prison. The two may therefore face fines, jail terms or both if found guilty.

United Nigeria Airlines confirmed that its staff acted in full compliance with safety protocol. Both men were immediately deboarded and handed over to airport security after the crew swiftly de-escalated the fight.

The carrier reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for behaviour that threatens passenger safety and affirmed that the remaining passengers travelled without further disruption.

The clash appears to be an extension of ongoing online hostilities between the influencers. It also adds to a troubling rise in unruly in-flight behaviour.

In August 2025, Fuji star KWAM 1 was involved in an altercation during boarding for a ValueJet flight, while days later a passenger on an Ibom Air flight was removed after striking a crew member.

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Industry observers say the incidents highlight the need for decisive enforcement, while passengers express growing concern about safety and decorum in the skies.