The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched an investigation into a mid-air altercation involving social media personalities Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, alias Mr Jollof.
RoundReports reports that the development comes after a video surfaced showing the pair exchanging blows aboard a commercial flight.
The incident, which occurred on a United Nigeria Airlines flight from Asaba to Lagos, has sparked widespread reactions after footage of the scuffle went viral online.
In the video, visibly distressed passengers can be seen attempting to separate the two men as the confrontation escalated in the cabin.
Reacting to the fracas, NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu described the behaviour as "unacceptable" and confirmed that both individuals were deplaned and taken for questioning.
"There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full strength of the law.
"It is even more shameful when one considers both of them are partners in educating their millions of followers to avoid unruly behaviour."
Achimugu explained that while the NCAA does not possess prosecutorial powers, it will recommend appropriate sanctions to the relevant authorities.
"The Authority, as with previous cases, would surely advise the airline to blacklist the passengers and write the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to prosecute the unruly passengers," he said.
He further clarified that the process of sanctioning such behaviour is not immediate.
"First, aviation security must deboard and arrest both passengers and take them to the investigation room. After questioning, a decision is made to prosecute them. Prosecution is not instant," he said.
The NCAA has also tasked its officers in Asaba with determining the actions taken by aviation personnel during and after the incident.
"This may go beyond just the two passengers. How long did it take for security to arrive? How long did the incident last before the pilot called for security, if he did?," Achimugu said.
He added that the airline involved has yet to submit an official incident report, attributing the delay to ongoing internal deliberations.
"I have asked why the airline has not forwarded an incident report and I am told that they are presently in a management meeting. This is normal, too. Even abroad," he said.
The Authority is also considering whether the airline should place the individuals on a no-fly list, a decision that could be taken independently by the carrier’s management.
Mr Jollof and VDM's altercation is believed to have stemmed from an ongoing online feud between the two men, with reports suggesting that tensions flared over personal comments made on social media.
Meanwhile, in a post following the incident, VeryDarkMan claimed he had been bitten during the confrontation.
The NCAA has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, warning that any behaviour that compromises flight safety will be met with serious consequences. Further actions are expected once the investigation concludes.
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