…NCAA condemns passengers’ behaviour
United Nigeria Airlines has confirmed that an altercation broke out between two passengers, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkman, and social media personality Freedom Okpetoritse Atsepoyi, widely called Mr. Jollof, during the boarding of Flight UN0523 at Asaba International Airport on Monday morning.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Chibuike Uloka, the airline said both passengers were deboarded and handed over to airport security for further investigation.
According to the airline, the action was taken in line with established aviation safety protocols and was necessary to guarantee the safety, comfort and security of other passengers and crew members on the flight.
“United Nigeria Airlines confirms that an altercation occurred between two passengers, identified as Martins Vincent Otse ‘VeryDarkman’ and Freedom Okpetoritse Atsepoyi ‘Mr. Jollof’, during the boarding of Flight UN0523 at Asaba International Airport on the morning of 17 November 2025.
“In full compliance with global aviation safety protocols, our crew responded immediately and professionally to de-escalate the situation.
“Both passengers were deboarded without delay to ensure the safety, comfort, and security of all other passengers and crew members. They were subsequently handed over to airport security for further investigation,” the statement added.
“United Nigeria Airlines places the highest priority on safety and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any conduct that threatens the security or well-being of passengers or crew. After all standard procedures were completed, the flight departed safely while the passengers involved in the altercation were still with the authorities”.
The airline expressed its commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and secure travel experience across its network.
Reacting to the incident, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, stated that both passengers will face the full strength of the law.
He explained that there is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft, adding that no matter what led to the fracas, there is no excuse that makes it acceptable.
Part of Achimugu’s reaction to the incident posted on his official X handle reads: “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 that both of them are partners in educating their millions of followers to avoid unruly behaviour.
“While waiting for information (I have reached out to our staff for details now that I am on the ground), one wonders if the pilot had both passengers deplaned or if they were flown to the destination. If it were the latter, there would be consequences.
“The actions of both men put the safety of all other passengers and the crew at risk. It also put the safety of the aircraft at risk.
“The NCAA has exerted a lot of energy and resources in educating passengers about the dangers of unruly behaviour and its consequences.
“In this case, no matter what led to the fracas, there is no excuse that makes it acceptable”.
