The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said that social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, widely called Mr. Jollof, will face legal consequences after both were seen fighting aboard an Abuja-bound aircraft in a viral video.
Gatekeepers News reports that the confrontation, which occurred on Monday, caused confusion inside the plane as passengers watched in shock. The altercation reportedly began with a heated verbal exchange before escalating into a physical fight. Cabin crew and frightened passengers scrambled to intervene as the pair traded blows inside the crowded aircraft.
Reacting to the incident, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said on his official X account that the authority is awaiting a detailed report from the airline involved but assured that “both individuals will face the full strength of the law.”
Achimugu wrote:
“I have asked why the airline has not forwarded an incident report, and I am told that they are presently in a management meeting. This is normal, too. Even abroad.”
He added that NCAA officers in Asaba had been directed to investigate all actions taken by aviation security and flight personnel during the incident.
“Our officers in Asaba have been tasked to find and report the exact actions taken by aviation security, pilots, 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?” he said.
Achimugu further questioned the handling of the aftermath:
“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 out by the relevant agencies.”
He clarified that although the NCAA cannot prosecute offenders directly, it will push for strong penalties:
“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.”
Achimugu stressed that the authority maintains zero tolerance for disorderly conduct on aircraft, adding:
“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 both of them partners in educating their millions of followers to avoid unruly behaviour.”
He noted that the NCAA has invested heavily in sensitising passengers on the dangers and consequences of disruptive behaviour in the aviation environment.
