The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that social media critic Martins Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, known as Mr Jollof, will face sanctions following their physical confrontation aboard a United Nigeria Airlines flight from Asaba to Lagos.
In a statement posted on X, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection condemned the fight, describing it as dangerous and completely unacceptable on any aircraft. According to the spokesperson:
“There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full strength of the law.”
He added that the behaviour was even more disappointing considering their influence on young Nigerians:
“It is even more shameful when one considers both of them partners in educating their millions of followers to avoid unruly behaviour.”
The NCAA also emphasised that the airline must officially report the incident, after which legal action would follow. The spokesperson wrote:
“The actions of both men put the safety of all other passengers and the crew at risk. It also put the safety of the aircraft at risk.”
He stressed that the regulator had invested heavily in public education against violence or disruption on flights:
“The NCAA has exerted a lot of energy and resources in educating passengers about the dangers of unruly behaviour and its consequences. In this case, no matter what led to the fracas, there is no excuse that makes it acceptable.”
The incident reportedly escalated from an ongoing online feud between the two public figures. Upon boarding the aircraft, the disagreement turned physical, causing commotion inside the cabin as passengers and crew rushed to separate the pair.
VDM later confirmed the altercation in a video posted on Facebook, claiming he confronted Mr Jollof:
“I don chop Jollof father for inside the plane. He bite me, man wey dey bite.”
The NCAA said it is still awaiting detailed reports from the airline and crew before issuing a comprehensive statement. The spokesperson assured that sanctions will be enforced according to aviation safety regulations.