Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, popularly called Mr Jollof, are facing possible criminal charges after a physical altercation during a United Nigeria Airlines flight on November 17, 2025. The confrontation, which escalated from a verbal argument to a brawl, has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The altercation occurred on Flight UN0523, traveling from Asaba to Lagos. What began as an argument quickly turned violent, with the two influencers engaging in a physical fight. A viral video showed passengers and crew rushing to separate the duo. VeryDarkMan later posted on Facebook, claiming responsibility for the confrontation, saying, “I don chop Jollof father for inside the plane,” adding that he confronted Mr Jollof. The exact cause of the altercation remains unclear, but it is believed to be an extension of their ongoing online rivalry.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has condemned the incident, emphasizing that the influencers’ actions jeopardized the safety of passengers and crew. Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs, tweeted that both men would face the full legal consequences for their behavior. “There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full strength of the law,” Achimugu stated. Under Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Act, such acts of violence can result in heavy fines (up to N2 million) or imprisonment for up to five years. Interfering with crew duties can also lead to fines or jail time.
United Nigeria Airlines confirmed that its crew acted swiftly to de-escalate the situation, removing the two individuals from the flight to ensure the safety of all passengers. The airline issued a statement reiterating its commitment to maintaining passenger safety, stating, “We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any conduct that threatens the security or well-being of passengers or crew.”
The incident highlights a broader concern over unruly behavior in the aviation sector. In recent months, there have been several high-profile altercations involving both passengers and celebrities. This includes incidents like Fuji musician KWAM 1’s clash on a ValueJet flight in August 2025, and the removal of Comfort Emmanson from an Ibom Air flight after she became physically aggressive toward crew members over a phone-related dispute.
The altercation between VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof is a stark reminder of the potential consequences of poor behavior in the air. Both individuals, who have significant social media followings, now face the possibility of fines or jail time. The NCAA has made it clear that despite whatever triggered the fight, there is no excuse for such disruptive conduct that endangers the safety of other passengers or the crew. As investigations continue, both influencers may face criminal prosecution, with the airline having acted swiftly to ensure the safety and security of all involved.
This growing trend of in-flight disturbances is prompting both passengers and industry stakeholders to demand stricter enforcement of regulations. As VDM and Mr Jollof await legal consequences, their actions are sure to spark further debate on the responsibility of influencers in setting a positive example for their followers.
