Comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, popularly known as Mr Jollof, has publicly apologised following his physical altercation with social media critic VeryDarkMan onboard a commercial flight.
The incident, which occurred on a United Nigeria Airlines flight from Asaba, Delta State, to Lagos, went viral after passengers recorded the duo exchanging blows inside the aircraft cabin. Earlier reports stated that the long-running online feud between the two escalated mid-flight, prompting crew and passengers to intervene.
Confirming the clash, VDM posted a video on his Facebook page boasting that he had “dealt with” Mr Jollof. In another clip, he lifted his shirt to show bite marks on his chest, alleging that the comedian bit him during the confrontation.
Breaking his silence, Mr Jollof took to Instagram to issue a public apology to aviation authorities, the airline, passengers, and his family. He insisted that he was not a violent person and had only acted in self-defence.
In his words:
“I want to use this medium to sincerely apologise to the NCAA, United Nigeria Airlines, and the passengers that boarded the airline. I was only defending myself. You guys saw what happened, and I am very sorry if I delayed your appointment. Pardon me. This isn’t my kind of person. It will never happen again.”
He also apologised to his family and employer, saying:
“To my lovely wife, I know you’re proud of me. To my kids, I am sorry. Daddy will never do this again. To my boss, I am very sorry, this isn’t my kind of person.”
In a written note added to the video, he further stressed:
“PLEASE NOTE: I AM NOT A VIOLENT PERSON AND I PROMISE SUCH CHARACTER WILL NEVER OCCUR AGAIN. ALTHOUGH I WAS UNDER ATTACK, I DEFENDED MYSELF. PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT.”
The tension between both men dates back to last year when Mr Jollof filed a lawsuit against Very Dark Man over comments VDM made about his wife. Jollof demanded an apology and ₦500 million in damages.
VDM, however, responded by dropping mocking comments under Jollof’s posts instead of issuing an apology.
When Very Dark Man was arrested later that year, Mr Jollof openly celebrated the development, saying VDM had been threatening to beat him anytime they met.
The latest in-flight clash marks the first time their online feud has escalated into a physical confrontation.