NCAA Begins Probe Into VeryDarkMan–Mr Jollof In-Flight Fight, Confirms Both Were Deplaned
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has now launched a formal investigation into the altercation, with assurances that any punitive measures arising from the probe will be enforced according to aviation law.
Tensions continue to rise around the mid-air confrontation involving social media personalities Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, popularly called Mr. Jollof, as aviation regulators move to determine what transpired and who is liable. A circulating video obtained by PulseNets shows both men engaging in a physical exchange aboard a passenger aircraft, forcing frightened travellers to intervene.
NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu, who spoke to PulseNets, said officials were already working to piece together every stage of the disturbance.
According to him, “Aviation sanctions do not occur instantly at the heat of the moment. Standard procedure requires aviation security to deboard, apprehend both individuals, and lead them directly into an investigation room for proper documentation.”
He added that interrogation must precede any decision on prosecution, stressing that “Prosecution is never automatic. There is a process, and that process must be followed.”
Achimugu also noted that airlines retain the power to take internal disciplinary actions even before the NCAA submits its findings. “What can happen quickly is a decision by the airline to place any unruly passenger on a no-fly list. But even that follows internal deliberations and management review,” he explained.
PulseNets learnt that Achimugu immediately began contacting relevant officers after receiving an initial report online. He disclosed that both individuals were removed from the aircraft shortly after the clash.
“This incident in Asaba happened just as I was leaving Nigeria. By the time I landed during transit, I had already placed calls. I was briefed that both passengers were deplaned and taken in for questioning, which is the correct procedure,” he said.
He further revealed that the airline had yet to submit its official incident report, saying “I have requested the report, but I’m told management is still meeting. That is normal. Even international airlines follow this process.”
The Authority, he said, will also examine how aviation security and crew responded during the scuffle.
“We are looking beyond the passengers. We want to know how fast security responded. How long did the altercation last before the pilot made a call? Were they detained or released? If released, why?”
Achimugu emphasised that the NCAA’s responsibility is to enforce aviation safety standards, even though it lacks direct prosecutorial mandate.
“It’s important to clarify that the NCAA cannot prosecute offenders. However, we can recommend the strictest actions, including advising airlines to blacklist the passengers and writing to the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police for prosecution,” he told PulseNets.
He reiterated that while public concerns about accountability were valid, “the ramifications cannot be issued on the spot, but action will certainly follow.”
Earlier, he had condemned the conduct of both men, describing it as reckless and dangerous.
“Unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft is not tolerated. Both individuals will face the full weight of the law. It is embarrassing that two people who routinely lecture their massive audiences about discipline failed to uphold it themselves,” he stated.
Achimugu also highlighted potential safety implications, noting that the conduct “endangered passengers, crew members, and even the aircraft itself.”
Also Read: NCAA Summons Domestic Airlines Over Flight Disruptions, Passenger Misconduct
The NCAA, he said, had invested significant efforts into educating passengers on the risks associated with disruptive behaviour mid-flight, stressing that this case would be handled decisively.
The Authority is expected to issue further updates once its investigation is concluded.
