SAHCO Denies Allegations of Phone Destruction Over VeryDarkman Recording
Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) has officially denied claims made by an ad-hoc worker who alleged that his mobile phone was deliberately smashed by a senior company official. The incident reportedly occurred while the worker was recording controversial social media critic Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkman, at the airport.
The Viral Video and Conflicting Accounts
The controversy began when a 28-second video circulated online featuring an unidentified ad-hoc worker wearing a SAHCO reflective vest and displaying an identity tag. In the video, which was posted on X by @general_somto, the worker claimed his supervisor damaged his Android device after he recorded VeryDarkman "dancing at the airport."
The staff member, speaking in pidgin English, expressed gratitude to VeryDarkman for replacing his broken phone with an iPhone XR. However, SAHCO has strongly refuted this narrative, stating that the individual's phone was damaged during an altercation with airport security personnel rather than any SAHCO staff member.
Company's Official Statement
SAHCO spokesperson Vanessa Uansohia provided clarification to PUNCH newspaper, emphasizing that the circulating video contained inaccurate information. She clarified that the individual featured is not a full-time SAHCO employee but works on an ad-hoc basis.
"The individual featured is not a SAHCO staff member. He is an ad hoc worker, and his phone was not smashed by any SAHCO staff or supervisor. The damage to his phone resulted from an interaction with airport security personnel, not from anyone affiliated with SAHCO," Uansohia stated.
The company urged members of the public to disregard the claims made in the viral video and emphasized that no senior officials from SAHCO were involved in the alleged phone destruction incident.
Background: VeryDarkman and Mr Jollof Aircraft Altercation
The incident occurs against the backdrop of recent controversy involving VeryDarkman and comedian Mr Jollof. As previously reported by Legit.ng, the two social media personalities engaged in a physical confrontation aboard a United Nigeria Airlines flight from Asaba in Delta State to Lagos on November 17.
The viral video of their altercation prompted authorities to take action, with Ossai Success, senior special assistant on media to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, confirming that both individuals had been arrested following the incident.
Meanwhile, commentators on social media have expressed concern that the ad-hoc worker featured in the phone-smashing allegation video might face employment consequences for his public statements.
SAHCO's Growing Aviation Partnerships
Despite the recent controversy, SAHCO continues to expand its operations in the aviation sector. Earlier this year, the company entered into a partnership agreement with Air Algeria following the airline's entry into the Nigerian aviation market. The collaboration marked Air Algeria's pioneer flight in Nigeria in April 2025.
Ground handling services in aviation encompass a wide range of functions including aircraft preparation, customer service, and ramp operations. SAHCO remains one of Nigeria's prominent aviation ground handling companies, providing essential services to facilitate aircraft operations and passenger experiences at Nigerian airports.
