The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, which is the national regulatory body responsible for overseeing safety standards across all commercial and private flights in Nigeria, has confirmed that it will impose sanctions on two prominent online personalities who engaged in a physical confrontation aboard a domestic passenger aircraft travelling from Asaba, a city in Delta State in Southern Nigeria, to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Okay News reports that the individuals involved are social media commentator Martins Otse, widely known by his online name Verydarkman, and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, popularly called Mr Jollof. The clash between both men erupted inside the cabin shortly before take-off on Monday, creating panic among passengers and prompting swift intervention from cabin crew members.
In an official statement posted on the social media platform X, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority condemned the behaviour, describing it as “unacceptable behaviour” and stressing that it was capable of endangering everyone on board.
“There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full strength of the law,” the spokesperson declared in the public message.
The spokesperson further reflected on the influence both men wield on social media, stating, “It is even more shameful when one considers both of them partners in educating their millions of followers to avoid unruly behaviour.”
According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, the airline operating the flight is required to submit a formal report, after which legal and administrative actions will follow. The spokesperson explained that “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 also reiterated the regulator’s ongoing campaign aimed at discouraging disruptive behaviour during flights. “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has exerted a lot of energy and resources in educating passengers about the dangers of unruly behaviour and its consequences,” he said.
He concluded by emphasising that disputes of any kind cannot justify such conduct on board, adding, “In this case, no matter what led to the fracas, there is no excuse that makes it acceptable.”
The fight reportedly stemmed from a long-running online disagreement between the two public figures, which escalated once they encountered each other physically on the flight. Witnesses and video recordings circulating online show passengers attempting to distance themselves as the confrontation intensified.
Shortly after the incident, Verydarkman posted a video on his Facebook page in which he claimed he confronted the comedian during the exchange. His message reads, “I don chop Jollof father for inside the plane. He bite me, man wey de bite.”
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority indicated that it is still gathering statements from airline officials and crew members. A comprehensive public briefing is expected after all evidence has been reviewed.
