United Nigeria Airlines has handed popular social media personalities Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, and entertainer Freedom Atsepoyi, popularly called Mr Jollof, over to airport security after a heated altercation while boarding the Asaba–Lagos Flight UN0523 on Monday.
The airline disclosed the incident in a statement released on its official X account, confirming that both men were involved in a confrontation during boarding at Asaba International Airport. Crew members intervened, deboarded the pair and handed them over to airport security, citing compliance with global aviation safety protocols. The carrier noted that the safety and comfort of other passengers were prioritised and that the flight departed safely afterward.
United Nigeria Airlines reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on any behaviour that threatens the security or well-being of passengers or crew, assuring the public of its commitment to safe and orderly operations.
The altercation, which follows weeks of public tension and online exchanges between the two internet personalities, quickly drew public attention. Though the cause of the clash remains unclear, both influencers have been engaged in a highly publicised back-and-forth on social media, with fans frequently amplifying their disputes.
In a separate development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has demanded a detailed incident report from the airline. NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu confirmed that, although the authority has not yet received the official report, officials in Asaba have been instructed to investigate the actions of aviation security personnel, the flight crew and other staff involved in resolving the situation.
Achimugu explained that the authority is examining timelines, security response, crew procedures and whether the passengers were detained or released after questioning. He emphasised that while the NCAA cannot prosecute offenders, it can recommend that the airline blacklist unruly passengers and refer the matter to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police for possible prosecution.
As of press time, efforts to obtain comments from additional aviation authorities were unsuccessful, with calls and messages going unanswered.
