The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that social media commentator, Martins Otse, known as Verydarkman (VDM), and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, popularly called Mr Jollof, will be penalised following a physical confrontation aboard an Asaba–Lagos flight .
In a statement shared on X, Micheal Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, criticised the incident, describing it as “unacceptable behaviour” that endangered the safety of passengers, crew, and the aircraft.
Achimugu expressed disappointment, pointing out that both men routinely advise their large audiences against such behaviour.
He explained that the airline involved is required to submit a formal report, after which the NCAA will initiate the necessary legal and regulatory actions.
The NCAA reiterated its commitment to educating passengers on the risks and penalties associated with disruptive behaviour in flight.
The clash was said to have arisen from an ongoing online feud between the two influencers, which escalated into a physical fight inside the aircraft cabin. Crew members and passengers reportedly had to intervene.
After the incident, VDM posted a video on Facebook claiming he confronted Mr Jollof during the altercation.
The NCAA stated that further steps will be taken once the airline submits its full report.
“There is zero tolerance for unruly conduct on any flight. Both individuals will face appropriate legal consequences. The conduct of the two men endangered everyone on board, including the aircraft itself.
“I can assure that the NCAA will do its part. Our officers in Asaba have been tasked to find and report the exact actions taken by aviation security, pilot, and other personnel. This may go beyond just the two passengers. How long did it take for security to arrive? How long did the incident last before the pilot called for security, if he did.
“If the passengers were arrested, are they still in detention? If they were released, why? When all of these are decided, appropriate ramifications would be dished by relevant agencies.
“I must note that the NCAA does not have prosecutorial powers. The Authority, as with previous cases, would surely advise the airline to blacklist the passengers and write the AGF and the IGP to prosecute the unruly passengers. “, he wrote.
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