United Nigeria Airlines has accepted the public apologies issued by social media personalities Martins Otse (popularly known as VeryDarkMan) and Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof) after the pair engaged in a physical confrontation aboard a flight on Monday.
The incident occurred during boarding at Asaba International Airport and has since drawn widespread attention to issues of passenger behaviour and aviation safety in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Thursday, the airline confirmed that the apologies posted by both men on social media had been acknowledged.
According to the statement, the airline accepted their pledge to avoid any actions that might threaten safety, orderliness, or decorum on its flights or those of other carriers.
The company expressed confidence that both individuals would uphold this commitment for the benefit of all passengers.
United Nigeria Airlines also reaffirmed its cooperation with the Airline Operators of Nigeria and aviation regulators as they work to curb unruly behaviour across the sector. Travellers were urged to comply fully with airline staff, security personnel, and airport authorities to ensure safe and orderly air travel.
The altercation, which happened during boarding of Flight UN0523 from Asaba to Lagos, was captured in viral videos showing the two men exchanging blows before crew members intervened. Both passengers were eventually removed from the aircraft and handed over to airport security.
Reports indicate the fight was linked to a longstanding online dispute dating back to 2024, during which VeryDarkMan had previously threatened a confrontation with Mr Jollof.
In a video posted Tuesday, VeryDarkMan seen with bandages on his head and arm took responsibility for the disruption and apologised to passengers, crew members, and others inconvenienced by the delay.
While he admitted his behaviour was “irresponsible,” he stopped short of guaranteeing that conflicts would never arise again, though he stated such incidents would not occur in public spaces like aircraft or buses.
Mr Jollof also issued an apology on Instagram, insisting he is “not a violent person” and was only defending himself.
He admitted to biting VeryDarkMan in the scuffle and apologised to the airline, the NCAA, and passengers affected by the delay. He promised the incident would not be repeated.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority condemned the fight, warning that disorderly passenger behaviour is a serious violation that can lead to criminal charges and possible imprisonment.
NCAA Acting Director of Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, described the altercation as a dangerous breach of aviation regulations.
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