United Nigeria Airlines Accepts Celebrity Apologies After In-Flight Altercation, Sparking Debate on Aviation Safety Enforcement

Aviation professionals and stakeholders have raised concerns after United Nigeria Airlines formally accepted public apologies from Nigerian comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, known as Mr Jollof, and social media activist Martins Otse, popularly called Verydarkman.

The two were involved in a physical altercation onboard a flight from Asaba International Airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. In a statement, the airline’s Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, confirmed that both men had expressed remorse on social media and pledged to avoid future actions that could compromise flight safety or disrupt order on any airline.

“We trust that this undertaking will be honoured to maintain a safe, respectful, and orderly travel environment for all passengers,” Uloka said. The incident, which delayed the aircraft’s departure, has reignited calls for stricter penalties against disruptive passengers.

This episode follows a series of similar incidents. On August 5, 2025, KWAM 1 caused disruption at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by attempting to board a ValueJet flight with a prohibited flask of alcohol. On August 10, 2025, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Lagos to Uyo was removed after refusing to turn off her phone and becoming physically aggressive toward crew members.

While Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo intervened to prevent heavy sanctions against those involved, experts argue that leniency risks encouraging repeat offenses. Aviation observers warn that forgiving celebrities without consequences could undermine the integrity of airline safety regulations.

United Nigeria Airlines commended the coordinated response of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, airport security, Asaba International Airport Authority, and its crew for professionally containing the situation in line with safety protocols. Uloka reiterated the airline’s commitment to curbing unruly passenger behavior and urged travelers to cooperate with airline staff and security personnel.

Industry expert Olumide Ohunayo criticized the perceived leniency. “When you keep giving a slap on the wrist, at what point will you draw the line? Are we still waiting for the NCAA to speak, or is an apology enough because it came from a celebrity? Public figures should set examples, yet we continue to treat airport safety as optional,” he said.

Retired Group Captain John Ojikuti also condemned the airline’s decision to accept apologies instead of enforcing regulations. “Is the airline the enforcer of NCAA rules? Those who fought on the aircraft should be handed over to the police. Forgiving such behavior should not be the airline’s responsibility,” he stated.

The incident has reignited debates within Nigeria’s aviation sector about enforcement of safety regulations, passenger accountability, and the limits of corporate discretion in handling breaches of aviation security.