The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that activist Vincent “VeryDarkMan (VDM)” Otse and comedian Freedom “Mr Jollof” Atsepoyi will face the full force of the law following an in-flight altercation on Monday.
The News Round The Clock (NRTC) reported that VDM and Mr Jollof clashed aboard United Nigeria Airlines Flight UNOS23 at Asaba International Airport while traveling from Asaba, Delta State, to Lagos.
A viral video captured the duo engaged in a physical confrontation during the flight.
In a statement on his X page, NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu condemned the incident, emphasising that such conduct is entirely unacceptable aboard an aircraft.
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He assured the public that appropriate sanctions would be imposed to uphold aviation safety and discipline.
Achimugu noted that he had just boarded a flight and was preparing for takeoff when he saw the video of the incident.
He added that, as social media influencers, both men should have known better than to engage in such behaviour.
“Because the aircraft was about to push back for taxiing, and I needed to switch off my phone, I quickly asked the poster for two basic details so that I could quickly forward a screenshot to our CPOs to investigate and get me details which would help me do my job on arrival at the transit airport.
“I just arrived at the transit airport to find my comment riddled with chaotic insults and labels by people who think that asking questions of the same social media folk whom I attend to, day and night, on social media, is an aberration.
He stated that the airline should report the incident to the NCAA and added that his department would provide legal guidance and recommend appropriate action.
Achimugu further noted that he had not yet received such a report.
He further stated, “There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full strength of the law. It is even more shameful when one considers that both of them are partners in educating their millions of followers to avoid unruly behaviour. While waiting for information (I have reached out to our staff for details now that I am on the ground), one wonders if the pilot had both passengers deplaned or if they were flown to the destination.
“If it were the latter, there would be consequences. 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. 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, no excuse makes it acceptable.
Subject to the speed of information, I will put out a proper statement before boarding my next flight. Otherwise, I will do so on arrival at my destination.”
Airlines’s side
Meanwhile, the airline confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, emphasising that its crew responded swiftly and professionally.
The airline added that all necessary measures were taken to de-escalate the situation, in full compliance with international aviation safety standards.
“Both passengers were deboarded without delay to ensure the safety, comfort, and security of all other passengers and crew members. They were subsequently handed over to airport security for further investigation. United Nigeria Airlines prioritises safety and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any conduct that threatens the security or well-being of passengers or crew.
“After all standard procedures were completed, the flight departed safely while the passengers involved in the altercation were still with the authorities. We remain firmly committed to providing safe, respectful, and secure travel! Experience across our network. United Nigeria Airlines, Flying to Unite”, said Mr Uloka.
NRTC gathered that the dispute dated back to 2024, when VDM questioned Mr Jollof’s qualifications for his appointment as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
VDM accused the comedian of promoting gambling, using drugs, and alleged that his wife, Esinjemiyotan Atsepoyi, was involved in extramarital relationships with Yahoo boys and politicians.
In response, in October 2024, Mr Jollof’s wife filed a defamation lawsuit against VDM, seeking N500 million in damages.
