United Nigeria Airlines has confirmed that an altercation occurred 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 released by its spokesperson, Chibuike Uloka, the airline said both passengers were removed from the aircraft and handed over to airport security for further investigation.
The airline explained that the decision was taken in line with standard aviation safety procedures and was necessary to protect the safety, comfort, and security of other passengers and crew. “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 strict adherence to global aviation safety protocols, our crew responded immediately and professionally to de-escalate the situation. Both passengers were promptly deboarded to safeguard the safety, comfort, and security of everyone on board. They were later handed over to airport authorities for further investigation,” the statement said.
The airline added that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any behaviour that could threaten the safety or well-being of passengers or crew. It stressed that after all necessary procedures were completed, the flight departed safely while the passengers involved remained with the authorities.United Nigeria Airlines reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and secure travel experience across its routes.
Responding to the incident, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, stated that both passengers would face the full weight of the law. He noted that unruly conduct aboard an aircraft is unacceptable under any circumstance.
Part of Achimugu’s statement 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 disappointing considering that both of them are known for advising their large audiences against such behaviour. “While awaiting full details (I have contacted our staff for updates now that I am back on ground), one wonders whether the pilot had both passengers deplaned or if they were flown to their destination. If it was the latter, there would be consequences.”
He added that the actions of the two men endangered the safety of other passengers, the crew, and the aircraft itself. He emphasized that the NCAA has invested significant effort in educating passengers about the dangers and consequences of unruly behaviour. “In this case, no matter what caused the altercation, there is no justification for it.”
Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/
