The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has announced that popular social media personalities Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, and Freedom Atsepoyi, known as Mr Jollof, may face prosecution following their physical altercation onboard United Nigeria Airlines Flight UN0523 at Asaba International Airport.
The fight, which occurred on Monday, has drawn nationwide attention after a viral video showed both men exchanging blows inside the aircraft.
According to NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu, the aviation regulator is preparing to recommend that the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police take up the case. He explained that once the official report from the airline is submitted, the appropriate departments would begin the process. Achimugu said, “The airline is sending a report to the NCAA today. When that report comes, the necessary department will make the decisions that need to be made.”
Achimugu further disclosed that the NCAA has advised its legal department to reach out to the relevant authorities for prosecution. He said, “I have spoken with the Director of Legal Services at the NCAA and I have advised that they write to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to prosecute the passengers. We will furnish them with the details of the case to aid their prosecution.”
In addition to possible legal action, the NCAA plans to recommend that the Airline Operators of Nigeria place the two influencers on a temporary no fly list. Achimugu noted that such sanctions would help deter similar incidents. He stated, “We will advise the Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, to blacklist those passengers to serve as a deterrent. If the case is prosecuted, they could get jail terms and they will also be fined. The laws are clear.”
The incident became public after a video showing the two men in a physical confrontation circulated on social media, shocking many viewers. Passengers onboard could be heard expressing disbelief as the clash unfolded mid flight.
United Nigeria Airlines later confirmed the altercation through its Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, who stated that both men were promptly handed over to airport security operatives for further action. The airline is expected to cooperate fully with the ongoing regulatory and security processes.
