The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced an investigation into an in‑flight brawl between social media personalities Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof), saying sanctions will follow based on its findings.
A video that has circulated widely on social media shows the two men exchanging blows aboard an aircraft while other passengers attempt to separate them. Local reports say the incident occurred on a flight to Lagos from Asaba.
NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu told reporters he was in transit when he received the report and made calls as soon as he landed. He said both men were deplaned and taken to an interrogation room by aviation security while the airline convened a management meeting.
“The passengers were deplaned and taken to interrogation. I have asked why the airline has not forwarded an incident report and I am told they are presently in a management meeting,” Achimugu said, adding that the Authority has tasked its officers in Asaba to establish the sequence of events.
Achimugu stressed the NCAA will examine not only the conduct of the two passengers but also the response of aviation 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, noting that answers to such questions will inform recommended actions.
While the NCAA can recommend penalties, Achimugu clarified it does not have prosecutorial powers. The Authority typically advises airlines to blacklist unruly passengers and forwards its findings to the Attorney‑General of the Federation and the Inspector‑General of Police for possible prosecution.
“There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft,” he said. “The actions of both men put the safety of all passengers and crew at risk. Appropriate ramifications will be taken by relevant agencies once the investigation is concluded.”
The airline involved has not yet publicly released a full incident report. The NCAA said it will announce further actions when its investigation is complete.
