United Nigeria Airlines has acknowledged public apologies from social media influencers Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, and Freedom Atsepoyi, popularly called Mr Jollof, after their physical fight disrupted a flight. The airline confirmed it accepts their commitments to better conduct . This move comes as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority continues its own investigation into the altercation that could lead to criminal prosecution for the two men .
The incident took place on the morning of November 17, 2025, during the boarding of Flight UN0523 from Asaba International Airport to Lagos . Videos that spread quickly online showed the two influencers exchanging blows and grappling with each other inside the aircraft cabin. The fight caused panic among fellow passengers and required the flight crew to intervene .
In a statement released on November 20, United Nigeria Airlines said it takes note of the apologies issued by Otse and Atsepoyi on their social media platforms. The airline specifically acknowledged their promise to avoid any future conduct that could compromise aviation safety or decorum on its flights or any other airline. The company stated it trusts this undertaking will be honored to maintain a safe and orderly travel environment for all passengers . The airline also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for any behavior that threatens the security or well-being of people on its flights .
Following the brawl, the airline crew acted to de-escalate the situation. Both individuals were removed from the flight and handed over to security personnel at the Asaba Airport for further questioning . The airline confirmed that after standard procedures were finished, the flight departed safely for Lagos without the two influencers on board .
The clash appears to stem from a long-running online dispute between the two personalities that began back in 2024. Reports indicate that Otse had previously threatened to confront Atsepoyi if he ever saw him .
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is conducting a separate probe into the fight. NCAA spokesman Michael Achimugu confirmed the authority has begun an investigation into the actions of all involved, including aviation security and the flight crew . The NCAA has described the fight as a serious infraction that endangers lives, noting that aviation regulations strictly prohibit such behavior .
Achimugu clarified that while the NCAA itself does not have the power to prosecute, it will advise the airline to blacklist the passengers. The authority will also formally write to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police, urging them to prosecute the two men . He warned that unruly passenger behavior can lead to criminal charges and potential jail time .
Both influencers have issued public apologies for their roles in the incident. Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan) posted a video apology on Instagram on November 18. In the video, he had bandages on his head and arm. He took full responsibility for the disruption and expressed regret for delaying passengers who may have had urgent medical appointments or business obligations. He apologized to his fellow travelers, the pilot, the flight attendants, and the general public. He admitted he acted irresponsibly but stopped short of guaranteeing it would not happen again. He said he could only promise such an incident would not occur again in a public space like a plane or bus .
Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof) also posted an apology video on Instagram. He clarified that he is not a violent person and was simply defending himself during the confrontation. He claimed to have bitten Otse in self-defense during the scuffle. He apologized to the NCAA, the airline, and the passengers on the flight. He also apologized to his wife and children, assuring them he would not repeat such actions .
As of November 19, United Nigeria Airlines stated that its internal investigation into the mid-air altercation is still ongoing, despite the apologies from both men . The event has sparked wider discussions about passenger conduct and the need for strong aviation safety measures within Nigeria's air travel sector .