In-flight scuffle: NCAA targets sanctions for Verydarkman, Mr Jollof
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has announced that social media figures Martins Otse, widely recognised as Verydarkman, and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, popularly called Mr Jollof, will be penalised after engaging in a physical altercation on an Asaba–Lagos flight on Monday.
In a statement posted on X, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection condemned the clash as “unacceptable behaviour” and underscored the risk it created for both passengers and crew.
The spokesperson added on X, “There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full strength of the law.”
He also criticised the conduct of the influencers, 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 explained that the airline is expected to file a report with the NCAA, after which legal measures will proceed, remarking, “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 went on to reaffirm the authority’s commitment to public sensitisation, saying, “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.”
Reports indicate that the confrontation stemmed from an existing online dispute between the two men, which later escalated into a physical fight inside the plane. Passengers and crew stepped in as the situation intensified.
VDM subsequently shared a video on his Facebook page, asserting that he had confronted Mr Jollof during the incident.
His caption stated, “I don chop Jollof father for inside the plane. He bite me, man wey de bite.”
According to the NCAA spokesperson, he is still waiting for a full briefing from the airline and its staff but promised that a detailed statement will be released once all information is confirmed.
