Two popular online personalities, Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) and Freedom Okpetoritse Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof), are facing potential prosecution and airline blacklisting following a physical altercation that disrupted boarding procedures at Asaba International Airport on Monday, November 17, 2025.
Airline Confirms Incident During Boarding
United Nigeria Airlines has officially confirmed the incident occurred during the boarding of Flight UN0523 on Monday morning. In a statement released on social media platform X, the airline's spokesman Chibuiké Uloka detailed that their crew responded "immediately and professionally" in line with global aviation safety protocols to de-escalate the confrontation between the two passengers.
The airline emphasized that both individuals involved in the altercation were promptly deboarded from the aircraft to ensure the safety and comfort of all other passengers and crew members. Following their removal from the flight, the two personalities were handed over to airport security for further investigation and processing.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Enforced
United Nigeria Airlines reiterated its firm commitment to passenger safety through a zero-tolerance policy toward any behavior threatening the security or well-being of passengers or crew. The airline confirmed that after standard safety procedures were completed, the affected flight departed safely while Otse and Atsepoyi remained with authorities.
"United Nigeria Airlines places the highest priority on safety and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any conduct that threatens the security or well-being of passengers or crew," the airline's statement read. The carrier remains dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and secure travel experience across its entire network.
NCAA Outlines Potential Consequences
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has also responded to the incident, clarifying the potential consequences for the individuals involved. Michael Achimugu, the director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, addressed viral online claims suggesting immediate prosecution or blacklisting, noting that these reports were inaccurate.
Achimugu explained that even internal airline decisions, such as placing passengers on a no-fly list, must undergo proper management meetings and approval processes. The NCAA has directed its officers in Asaba to gather a comprehensive account of actions taken by security personnel, the pilot, and other airport staff during the incident.
While the NCAA itself lacks prosecutorial powers, Achimugu confirmed that the authority will advise the airline to blacklist the passengers and will formally write to the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to pursue prosecution, following established procedures from previous similar cases.
The incident, which was captured in a video that went viral on social media, has drawn significant public attention and highlights the serious consequences passengers may face for disruptive behavior during air travel operations in Nigeria.
