VDM and Mr Jollof Apologize After Physical Brawl on United Nigeria Airlines Flight

United Nigeria Airlines has accepted the public apologies issued by social media personalities Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and Freedom Atsepoyi, also known as Mr Jollof, following a physical altercation aboard one of its flights this week.

The incident occurred during the boarding of Flight UN0523 at Asaba International Airport on Monday, and has since sparked conversations about passenger conduct and aviation safety in Nigeria.

In a statement on Thursday, the airline confirmed it had taken note of the apologies and the commitment by both men to avoid behaviour that could disrupt order or compromise safety on future flights.

“United Nigeria Airlines acknowledges and accepts the public apologies issued by VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof following the onboard altercation that occurred during the boarding of Flight UN0523 from Asaba International Airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on 17 November 2025,” the statement said.

“We take note of their commitments expressed via their respective social media platforms to refrain from any conduct that could compromise aviation safety, order, or decorum onboard United Nigeria Airlines flights or any other airline. We trust that this undertaking will be honoured in the interest of maintaining a safe, respectful, and orderly travel environment for all passengers.”

The airline said it remains aligned with the Airline Operators of Nigeria and relevant regulatory bodies in addressing unruly passenger behaviour. It urged travellers to cooperate with airline staff, security agencies, and airport authorities to maintain safety in the aviation sector.

Passengers panicked as fight broke out on board

The altercation took place shortly before takeoff on the Asaba–Lagos route. Videos shared online showed the two men exchanging blows and grappling, causing visible panic among passengers. Cabin crew members intervened, and both individuals were deboarded and handed over to security personnel at the airport.

The clash is believed to have stemmed from a longstanding online dispute between the two influencers dating back to 2024.

VeryDarkMan, who appeared with bandages on his head and arm in his video apology on Tuesday, said he accepted full responsibility for the disruption and expressed regret for delaying passengers with urgent engagements.

“What happened yesterday was not supposed to happen, and I will take full responsibility for it,” he said, extending apologies to travellers and airline staff.

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Mr Jollof also apologized in a video posted on Instagram, stating that he is “not a violent person” and acted in self-defence during the confrontation. He also acknowledged that the scuffle caused delays for passengers and assured that such behaviour would not happen again.

NCAA warns of consequences

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority condemned the incident, describing it as a “serious infraction” that endangers lives. The Acting Director of Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, said unruly passenger behaviour violates aviation regulations and could attract criminal prosecution, including possible jail terms.