The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that social media personalities Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and Freedom Atsepoyi, known as Mr Jollof, could face prosecution and potential jail terms following a physical altercation onboard United Nigeria Airlines’ Flight UN0523 at Asaba International Airport, Delta State.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, confirmed the development to Vanguard, stating that the authority is preparing to recommend legal action against the influencers.
According to Achimugu, the NCAA intends to forward a formal recommendation to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to prosecute the passengers involved in the incident. Additionally, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) will be advised to place the two influencers on a temporary no-fly list.
“The airline is sending a report to the NCAA today. Once the report is received, the relevant department will make the necessary decisions. I have spoken with the Director of Legal Services at the NCAA and advised that they write to the Attorney General and the Inspector General of Police to prosecute the passengers,” Achimugu said.
He further explained that the NCAA would provide detailed information about the incident to support legal proceedings. “We will advise the Airline Operators of Nigeria to blacklist these passengers to serve as a deterrent. If prosecuted, they could face jail terms and fines. The laws governing such conduct are clear,” he added.
The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, shows VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof exchanging blows mid-flight, leaving other passengers in shock.
United Nigeria Airlines’ Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, also confirmed the fight in a statement, noting that both individuals were handed over to airport security immediately after the altercation.
The NCAA’s move highlights a growing effort to enforce strict disciplinary measures for disruptive behavior on flights, sending a warning to passengers that unruly actions will not be tolerated.
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