VDM, Mr Jollof Will Face Legal Consequences – NCAA

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has vowed that social media critic Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, popularly called Mr Jollof, will face legal consequences after the pair were filmed fighting aboard an Abuja-bound flight.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, caused panic among passengers after an argument between the two escalated into a physical confrontation inside the aircraft. A viral video shows both men trading blows as cabin crew and alarmed passengers attempted to intervene.

Reacting to the development, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the Authority is awaiting an official incident report from the airline involved. He stressed that regardless of the delay, both individuals would be subjected to the full weight of aviation regulations.

“I have asked why the airline has not forwarded an incident report, and I am informed that they are in a management meeting, which is normal,” Achimugu wrote on X. “What I can assure you is this: the NCAA will do its part.”

He added that NCAA officials in Asaba have been directed to gather details on the actions taken by aviation security personnel, crew members, and pilots during the fracas.

“This may go beyond just the two passengers,” Achimugu said. “How long did it take security to arrive? How long did the incident last before the pilot called for help? If the passengers were arrested, are they still detained? If they were released, why?”

According to him, once all facts are established, the relevant agencies will take appropriate action. He reiterated that although the NCAA lacks prosecutorial powers, it 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 initiate prosecution.

“There is zero tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft,” he stressed. “Both individuals will face the full strength of the law. It is even more disappointing considering they both preach discipline and proper conduct to their millions of followers.”

Achimugu noted that the NCAA has invested significant resources in public sensitisation on the dangers and consequences of disruptive conduct in flight operations.