United Airlines accepts VDM, Mr Jollof’s apologies after in-flight brawl

The United Nigeria Airlines has accepted public apologies from social media influencers Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, and Freedom Atsepoyi, popularly called Mr Jollof, following a physical altercation aboard one of its flights on Monday.

The incident, which occurred during boarding at Asaba International Airport, has sparked discussions on passenger conduct and aviation safety in Nigeria’s air travel sector.

In a statement released on Thursday, the airline acknowledged the apologies issued by the two men via their social media platforms.

“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.

“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 statement read.

The company reiterated its alignment with the Airline Operators of Nigeria and all regulatory bodies in addressing unruly passenger behaviour across the aviation sector.

It urged travellers to cooperate fully with airline personnel, security agencies, and airport authorities to safeguard the integrity and safety of air travel in Nigeria.

The brawl took place aboard a fight en route from Asaba to Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Videos circulating online showed the two exchanging blows and grappling, prompting panic among passengers and requiring intervention from the flight crew.

The airline confirmed that both individuals were deboarded and handed over to security personnel at Asaba Airport.

The clash reportedly stemmed from a longstanding online feud dating back to 2024, where VeryDarkMan had publicly threatened to confront Mr. Jollof upon sighting him.

VeryDarkMan, in a video apology posted on Instagram on Tuesday, took full responsibility for the disruption.

Appearing with bandages on his head and arm, he expressed regret for delaying passengers with urgent matters, such as medical appointments or business obligations.

“I would really like to apologise for what happened yesterday on the United Nigerian Airlines. What happened yesterday was not supposed to happen, and I will take full responsibility for it,” he said.

He extended apologies to fellow travellers, the pilot, flight attendants, and even “all the mothers, all the daddies, all the uncles, all the younger ones” on board.

While admitting he acted “irresponsibly,” he stopped short of guaranteeing no future conflicts, stating only that such incidents would not recur in public spaces like planes or buses.

Mr Jollof, a comedian and media personality, also issued an apology via Instagram, clarifying that he is “not a violent person” and was merely defending himself during the altercation.

He claimed to have bitten VeryDarkMan in self-defense amid the scuffle.

“I want to use this medium to sincerely apologise to the NCAA, United Nigeria Airlines, and the passengers. I was only defending myself. You guys saw what happened. I am very sorry if I delayed your appointment. I’m very sorry. Pardon me.

“I am not that kind of person; it will never happen again. And to my lovely wife, I know you are proud of me. And to my kids, I’m sorry, daddy will never do this again,” he stated.

The NCAA has condemned the incident, warning that unruly passenger behaviour could lead to criminal prosecution, including potential jail time for the involved parties.

NCAA’s Acting Director of Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, described the fight as a “serious infraction” that endangers lives, noting that aviation regulations prohibit such conduct.