NCAA Moves to Prosecute VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof Over In-Flight Fight, Blacklisting Possible

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that popular social media influencers VeryDarkMan (VDM) and Mr Jollof may face prosecution and possible jail terms following their physical altercation aboard United Nigeria Airlines Flight UN0523 at the Asaba International Airport in Delta State.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, confirmed the development in an exclusive interview with Vanguard.

According to Achimugu, the NCAA will recommend that the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police prosecute the two passengers, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) will be advised to place them on a temporary no-fly list.

READ ALSO:

• PDP BoT rejects caretaker committee proposal, insists national convention will hold as scheduled
• Political leaders, labour, civil society launch movement for credible elections ahead of 2027 polls
• EFCC arraigns former Access bank operations head for alleged $510,000 fraud in Enugu

He stated:

“The airline is sending a report to the NCAA today. Once received, the relevant department will take necessary action. I have already spoken with our Director of Legal Services and advised that we write to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to prosecute the passengers.

“We will provide full details of the incident to aid prosecution. We will also advise AON to blacklist the passengers as a deterrent. If prosecuted, they may face jail terms and fines. The laws are clear.”

A viral video posted on Monday showed VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof exchanging blows inside the aircraft, prompting shock and panic among passengers.

United Nigeria Airlines later confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, stating that both men were immediately handed over to airport security.

The NCAA insists the case will be pursued to enforce discipline and ensure safety within the aviation sector.

NCAA Moves to Prosecute VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof Over In-Flight Fight, Blacklisting Possible

NCAA to sanction VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof over fight on Asaba–Lagos flight

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced disciplinary action against social media influencer Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan) and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof) after the pair engaged in a physical fight aboard an Asaba–Lagos flight on Monday.

In a statement issued on X, the NCAA condemned the confrontation as “unacceptable behaviour” that endangered passengers, crew and the aircraft.

“There is zero tolerance for unruly conduct onboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full weight of the law,” the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection said.

The agency expressed disappointment that public figures with large followings were responsible for such misconduct, stressing that their actions violated aviation safety protocols.

READ ALSO:

• UK allows switch from study visa to innovator founder visa
• Osimhen Substitution Sparks Outrage as Nigeria Crash Out of World Cup Playoffs
• Ijebu Appeals to BBNaija Winner Imisi to Apologise to Mother, End Public Clash

The NCAA confirmed that the airline involved is expected to submit an official report before legal sanctions are issued.

Eyewitnesses said the clash was fueled by an ongoing social media feud between VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof, which escalated into a physical altercation in the aircraft cabin. Passengers and crew intervened to restore order.

VDM later posted a video claiming he confronted Mr Jollof, saying:

“I don chop Jollof father for inside plane. He bit me—man wey dey bite.”

The NCAA said a full statement will be released after reviewing reports from the airline and cabin crew.

NCAA to sanction VeryDarkMan, Mr Jollof over fight on Asaba–Lagos flight

Air Peace launches direct Abuja–London flights

Nigeria’s flagship carrier, Air Peace, has officially commenced direct flights between Abuja and London Heathrow, marking a major expansion in its international operations and boosting connectivity for Nigerian travellers.

The inaugural flight departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Sunday, just months after the airline launched its Lagos–London service in March 2024.

Air Peace CEO, Allen Onyema, praised the federal government’s support for indigenous airlines, attributing the milestone to responsive leadership under President Bola Tinubu and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo.

“This is not just about Air Peace. Every airline in this country has benefited from this regime. When a government is doing what is right, we must speak up,” Onyema said.

He recounted how the aviation ministry swiftly removed certain charges affecting helicopter operators, describing the move as a sign of genuine commitment to the sector.

Onyema called the Abuja–London launch a celebration of patriotism and national pride, urging other operators to acknowledge the government’s efforts.

READ ALSO:

• TCN tower vandalised, power supply disrupted in Borno, Yobe
• Nigeria’s insecurity not religious, says Vatican Secretary of State
• NECO opens London exam centre to serve Nigerians in diaspora

In his remarks, Minister Keyamo reaffirmed President Tinubu’s directive to support local airlines and reverse the high mortality rate that has plagued Nigeria’s aviation sector for decades.

“In the last 40 years, over 100 airlines have come and gone. We had to dig deep to understand the challenges and give our operators a fair chance,” Keyamo said.

He lamented the imbalance in international air traffic, noting that foreign carriers from nearly every European capital fly into Nigeria daily, while local airlines struggle to reciprocate despite having rights under bilateral air services agreements (BASA).

Keyamo said his ministry’s priority is to build the capacity of Nigerian airlines to compete globally and fully utilise those reciprocal rights.

The Abuja–London route is expected to enhance travel options for Nigerians, reduce dependence on foreign carriers, and strengthen the country’s aviation footprint on the global stage.

Air Peace launches direct Abuja–London flights