The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a formal investigation into the in-flight altercation involving social media influencers Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, also known as Mr Jollof. The agency says sanctions will follow based on the outcome of the probe.

A viral video of the incident shows the two men exchanging blows aboard a Lagos-bound aircraft as shocked passengers attempted to intervene.

NCAA: Incident Will Be Thoroughly Investigated

Reacting to the incident, NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu said the Authority is committed to conducting a full and proper investigation in line with aviation safety regulations.

“But it does not happen in the exact moment that the incident occurs,” Achimugu said. “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 noted that airlines also reserve the right to take internal disciplinary actions, including placing unruly passengers on their no-fly lists.

“What could happen faster is the airline placing the passengers on a no-fly list, but even that requires management meetings and deliberations,” he explained.

Both Men Deplaned and Taken for Interrogation

Providing updates, Achimugu confirmed that both individuals were removed from the aircraft and taken in for questioning.

“This event in Asaba just happened. I was boarding a flight out of Nigeria when the report came in. As soon as I landed at my transit point, I made calls. I have been informed that both passengers were deplaned and taken to the interrogation room,” he said.

He added that the airline had yet to submit its official incident report because its management was still in a meeting—an expected procedure even in other countries.

Investigation Will Also Examine Role of Aviation Personnel

Achimugu emphasized that the inquiry will not focus solely on the conduct of the two men but will also assess the performance of aviation personnel on duty.

“Our officers in Asaba have been tasked to determine the exact actions taken by aviation security, the pilot, and other personnel,” he said.

“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? If the passengers were arrested, are they still in detention? If they were released, why?”

NCAA May Recommend Prosecution

Achimugu clarified that while the NCAA cannot directly prosecute offenders, it will recommend sanctions and forward the case to relevant authorities.

“The NCAA does not have prosecutorial powers. The Authority will advise the airline to blacklist the passengers and write to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to prosecute the unruly passengers.”

He stressed that the behaviour of both men endangered the aircraft, crew, and all passengers.

“There is zero tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full weight of the law. It is even more shameful considering they both educate millions of followers on avoiding such behaviour.”

Further Actions Expected After Investigation

Achimugu reiterated that the Authority has invested heavily in educating passengers on the dangers of unruly conduct and its consequences.

“The actions of both men put everyone at risk,” he said, adding that further enforcement decisions will be announced once the investigation concludes.