United Nigeria Airlines has accepted the public apologies issued by social media personalities Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and Freedom Atsepoyi, also known as Mr Jollof, following a violent altercation aboard one of its flights on Monday.
The clash, which occurred during boarding at the Asaba International Airport, triggered panic among passengers and sparked a wider conversation around aviation safety and passenger behaviour in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Thursday, United Nigeria Airlines confirmed it had reviewed and accepted the apologies posted on social media by the duo.
The airline stated, “United Nigeria Airlines acknowledges and accepts the public apologies issued by VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof following the onboard altercation that occurred during the boarding of Flight UN0523 from Asaba International Airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on 17 November 2025.
“We take note of their commitments expressed via their social media platforms to refrain from any conduct that could compromise aviation safety, order, or decorum onboard United Nigeria Airlines flights or any other airline.
“We trust that this undertaking will be honoured in the interest of maintaining a safe, respectful, and orderly travel environment for all passengers.”
The airline reiterated its commitment to working with the Airline Operators of Nigeria and relevant regulatory agencies to curb unruly passenger behaviour nationwide.
Videos circulating on social media show both men exchanging blows and grappling inside the cabin, forcing crew members to intervene as distressed passengers looked on.
The airline confirmed that both men were deboarded and handed over to security operatives at the Asaba Airport.
Naijaonpoint understands that the altercation was fuelled by a longstanding online feud dating back to 2024, during which VeryDarkMan had publicly vowed to confront Mr Jollof “on sight.”
In a remorseful video posted on Tuesday, a visibly injured VeryDarkMan apologised to passengers and airline staff.
“I would really like to apologise for what happened yesterday on United Nigeria Airlines. What happened yesterday was not supposed to happen, and I will take full responsibility for it,” he said.
Appearing with bandages on his head and arm, he apologised to all passengers, including those who had medical emergencies or important appointments delayed because of the disruption.
He also apologised to “all the mothers, all the daddies, all the uncles, all the younger ones” on board.
While admitting he acted “irresponsibly,” he did not rule out future confrontations but assured such incidents would never again occur in public spaces like aircraft or buses.
‘I Was Defending Myself’ — Mr Jollof Issues His Own Apology
Mr Jollof also tendered a public apology on Instagram, insisting he is “not a violent person” and only acted in self-defence.
“I want to use this medium to sincerely apologise to the NCAA, United Nigeria Airlines, and the passengers. I was only defending myself… I am very sorry if I delayed your appointment,” he said.
He stated that he even bit VeryDarkMan during the scuffle to protect himself.
“To my lovely wife, I know you are proud of me. And to my kids, I’m sorry, daddy will never do this again,” he added.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, through its Acting Director of Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, condemned the incident, describing it as a “serious infraction” that endangers lives.
Achimugu warned that unruly behaviour in aircraft cabins could lead to criminal prosecution, including possible jail terms.
He stressed that aviation regulations strictly prohibit confrontations, violence, or behaviour that threatens the safety of crew and passengers.
United Nigeria Airlines urged travellers to fully cooperate with flight crew, airport authorities, and security agencies to maintain the integrity and safety of air travel.
The airline said it remains committed to providing a safe environment and will continue enforcing strict protocols to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]