The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has announced that social media influencer Martins Otse, better known as Verydarkman, and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, popularly called Mr Jollof, will face sanctions after their physical confrontation aboard an Asaba–Lagos flight on Monday.
In a post on X, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection described the incident as “unacceptable behaviour,” stressing that it posed a serious threat to both passengers and crew.
“There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full strength of the law,” the spokesperson tweeted.
He also pointed out the irony of the situation, noting, “It is even more shameful when one considers both of them partners in educating their millions of followers to avoid unruly behaviour.”
The spokesperson added that the airline is expected to file an official report to the NCAA, after which legal steps would be taken. He continued, “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.”
Reaffirming the regulator’s ongoing efforts in passenger sensitisation, he said, “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 fight is said to have stemmed from an ongoing online feud between the two men, which escalated into a physical altercation inside the aircraft cabin. Passengers and crew had to step in as the situation got out of control.
Following the incident, VDM shared a video on his Facebook page, claiming he confronted Mr Jollof during the fight.
His post reads, “I don chop Jollof father for inside the plane. He bite me, man wey de bite.”
The NCAA spokesperson noted that he was still awaiting official reports from the airline and its staff but assured that a full statement would be issued once all details were confirmed.