In a dramatic and widely shared incident, social media influencers Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan) and Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof) came to blows during the boarding process of United Nigeria Airlines Flight UN 0523 on 17 November 2025 at Asaba International Airport. The confrontation, which was captured on video and circulated online, forced the airline to de-board both men for the safety of passengers and crew.
According to the airline, its crew acted swiftly, de-escalating the situation before handing the two men over to airport security. United Nigeria Airlines reiterated that it has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that could threaten safety or decorum on board.
Apologies Issued, Responsibility Taken
Following the incident, both VeryDarkMan and Mr. Jollof issued public apologies, acknowledging their roles in the disruption.
- VeryDarkMan expressed deep regret, calling his behavior “irresponsible” and saying he takes full responsibility for the delay and inconvenience caused to fellow travelers.
- Mr Jollof, for his part, explained that he acted in self-defence, and emphasized that the incident was “out of character” for him. He apologized to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), United Nigeria Airlines, and his own family, stating that the fight “will never happen again.”
United Nigeria Airlines Accepts the Apologies
United Nigeria Airlines publicly welcomed their apologies, noting that both men committed — via their social media platforms — to refrain from any future conduct that could compromise aviation safety.
In its response, the airline also:
- Thanked all relevant agencies involved in managing the incident, including the NCAA, airport security (AVSEC), the Asaba International Airport Authority, and its own crew.
- Reaffirmed its commitment to a safe, respectful, and orderly travel environment.
- Called on the travelling public to support airline personnel and aviation authorities in preserving the integrity of air travel.
Regulatory Pressure: NCAA Weighs Sanctions
Despite the apologies, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has not let the matter rest. It is investigating the altercation, demanding detailed reports on what transpired.
According to NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs, the authority may take aggressive action, including:
- Recommending prosecution of the two men to Nigeria’s Attorney General and Inspector General of Police.
- Advising the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to place VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof on a temporary no-fly list as a deterrent.
- Potentially seeking jail terms or fines, citing the seriousness of the incident and its impact on passenger safety.
Who Does What: Clarifying AVSEC, NCAA, and Airline Roles
In the wake of public confusion about how such incidents are handled, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) stepped in to clarify the roles of different aviation bodies.
- FAAN explains that AVSEC (its airport security personnel) receives disruptive passengers once they’ve been de-boarded, then handles preliminary assessment and, if needed, hands them over to law enforcement.
- The NCAA, on the other hand, is responsible for investigation, regulation, and applying sanctions where appropriate.
- According to FAAN, United Nigeria Airlines followed the correct safety and security protocols when it de-boarded both influencers and handed them over to AVSEC officers.
What This Means for the Aviation Industry
This incident is a stark reminder of the broader challenges facing the aviation industry in Nigeria:
- Passenger Conduct Risk: High-profile or socially influential individuals are not immune to disciplinary action when behavior threatens safety.
- Regulatory Accountability: The NCAA is signaling that unruly conduct will not be tolerated, even from social media stars with large followings.
- Zero-Tolerance Messaging: United Nigeria’s public acceptance of the apologies reinforces its commitment to strict discipline and passenger welfare.
- Public Trust: How this situation is resolved — legally and reputationally — could shape perceptions of professionalism for all parties involved.
The Road Ahead: What to Watch For
- NCAA Decision: Will the authority proceed with criminal prosecution? Will there be fines, bans, or even jail terms?
- No-Fly List Outcome: Will VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof be added to a no-fly list through AON? If so, for how long?
- Industry Reform: Will this incident push airlines and regulators to adopt stricter policies on disruptive passengers?
- Public Image: How will both influencers repair their reputations post-apology, especially given their large audience and public influence?
