VDM, Mr Jollof risk jail over mid air fight

Social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, aka Mr Jollof, may face criminal prosecution following a violent confrontation aboard a United Nigeria Airlines flight yesterday.

The clash, which occurred on the Asaba–Lagos flight, reportedly began as a verbal argument before escalating into a physical fight. A viral video seen by RepublicanNigeria showed crew members and passengers rushing to separate the duo as they exchanged blows.

VDM later confirmed the incident in a Facebook video, claiming he had overpowered Mr Jollof during the scuffle. “I don chop Jollof father for inside the plane. He bite me, man wey dey bite,” he said.

Although the cause of the dispute remains unclear, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has condemned the incident, describing the conduct of both men as a breach of aviation safety regulations.

In a post on X, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the behaviour of the influencers violated safety rules and would attract sanctions.

“There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full strength of the law,” he wrote, adding that it was “even more shameful” considering their influence over millions of followers.

Achimugu noted that United Nigeria Airlines was expected to file an official report, after which regulatory and legal action would begin. He stressed that the altercation endangered the crew, passengers, and the aircraft.

Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Act 2022 criminalises violent conduct onboard aircraft. Section 84 prescribes a minimum fine of N2m or imprisonment of up to five years for acts capable of endangering an aircraft. Section 85 also stipulates a fine of up to N200,000 or at least two months’ imprisonment for interfering with crew members on duty.

United Nigeria Airlines, in a statement on its official X account, confirmed that both passengers were deboarded and handed over to airport security after the crew intervened.

The airline stated, “An altercation occurred between two passengers, identified as Martins Vincent Otse ‘VeryDarkman’ and Freedom Okpetoritse Atsepoyi ‘Mr Jollof’, during the boarding of Flight UN0523 at Asaba International Airport on the morning of 17 November 2025.”

It added that the crew acted promptly to de-escalate the situation in line with global aviation safety standards. “Both passengers were deboarded without delay… They were subsequently handed over to airport security for further investigation.”

The carrier reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for behaviour that threatens passenger or crew safety.

The confrontation is believed to be the latest development in a weeks-long online feud between the two personalities.

Their clash adds to a growing list of unruly incidents in the aviation sector. In August 2025, Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) was involved in an altercation during boarding procedures on a ValueJet flight. Days later, one Ms Comfort Emmanson was removed from an Ibom Air flight after she refused to switch off her phone and allegedly assaulted a crew member.

Aviation stakeholders have repeatedly called for decisive enforcement to address the rising cases of disruptive behaviour onboard aircraft.