Acts of Violence on Board Aircraft Attract Minimum N2 Million Fine or Five Years’ Imprisonment as Section 84 of Civil Aviation Act 2022 Criminalises Conduct Endangering Safety
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Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, also called Mr Jollof, may face criminal prosecution following their clash aboard a United Nigeria Airlines flight on Monday.
There was commotion on the Asaba to Lagos flight after what started as an argument between the two escalated into a physical altercation. Crew members and concerned passengers were seen intervening as both men exchanged blows.
Confirming the incident, VeryDarkMan posted a video on his Facebook page claiming he confronted and overpowered Mr Jollof during the encounter. His post reads, “I don chop Jollof father for inside the plane. He bite me, man wey de bite,” insisting that he reacted to provocation.
While the cause of the fight remains unclear, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has condemned the behaviour, stating that both men violated aviation safety rules.
In a post on X, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, said there is zero tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft and that the individuals would face appropriate sanctions. He added that their actions were particularly disappointing given their influence on millions of followers.
Achimugu also disclosed that the airline is expected to file an official report to the NCAA, after which legal and regulatory actions will commence. He emphasised that the safety of other passengers, crew members, and the aircraft itself was compromised.
He restated the NCAA’s commitment to public education on the dangers and consequences of unruly conduct. According to him, no circumstances justify violence on board an aircraft.
Further checks revealed that the Civil Aviation Act 2022 criminalises such actions. Section 84 prescribes a minimum fine of N2 million or up to five years’ imprisonment or both for acts of violence on board an aircraft that could endanger safety. Section 85 states that interfering with a crew member in a way that impedes their duties attracts a fine of up to N200,000 or imprisonment for at least two months or both.
While the NCAA assesses the situation, both men may face fines or jail terms.
United Nigeria Airlines confirmed in a statement that its crew intervened and deboarded the two passengers before handing them over to airport security for further investigation.
The airline noted that the fight occurred during boarding of Flight UN0523 at Asaba International Airport on the morning of November 17, 2025. It emphasised that deboarding the pair was necessary to ensure safety and maintain order. The flight later departed without the two individuals on board.
The airline reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for conduct that threatens the well-being of passengers or crew and assured the public of its strong commitment to safety.
The clash is believed to be an extension of weeks-long online hostility between the two personalities.
Physical confrontations among passengers have become more common in recent months, raising concerns among stakeholders over the need for stronger deterrent measures. Recent cases include an incident involving Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal during the boarding of a ValueJet flight on August 5, 2025, and the removal of Ms Comfort Emmanson from an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, after she became physically aggressive when instructed to turn off her phone.
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