United Airlines Accepts VDM, Mr Jollof Apologizes After In-Flight Fight

The United Nigeria Airlines has received public apologies from social media personalities Martins Otse, who goes by the name VeryDarkMan, an...

The United Nigeria Airlines has received public apologies from social media personalities Martins Otse, who goes by the name VeryDarkMan, and Freedom Atsepoyi, known as Mr Jollof, after a physical conflict occurred on one of its flights on Monday.

An event that took place while passengers were boarding at Asaba International Airport has triggered debates about passenger behavior and aviation safety within Nigeria's air travel industry.

In a statement published on Thursday, the airline recognized the apologies shared by the two individuals through their social media accounts.

United Nigeria Airlines recognizes and accepts the public apologies made by VeryDarkMan and Mr Jollof concerning the in-flight conflict that took place during the boarding of Flight UN0523, which was traveling from Asaba International Airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on 17 November 2025.

We acknowledge their promises made through their individual social media accounts to avoid any actions that might endanger aviation safety, order, or proper behavior on United Nigeria Airlines flights or those of any other carrier.

"We believe this effort will be respected in the interest of ensuring a secure, courteous, and well-managed travel atmosphere for every traveler," the statement said.

The organization restated its support for the Airline Operators of Nigeria and all regulatory authorities in tackling disruptive passenger conduct within the aviation industry.

It called on passengers to fully collaborate with airline staff, security officials, and airport management to ensure the security and reliability of air travel within Nigeria.

The clash occurred on a flight heading from Asaba to Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Online videos depicted the two individuals fighting and wrestling, causing fear among passengers and necessitating assistance from the flight attendants.

The airline verified that both people were removed from the aircraft and transferred to security officers at Asaba Airport.

The conflict is said to have originated from an ongoing online rivalry that began in 2024, during which VeryDarkMan openly warned of a face-to-face encounter with Mr. Jollof if he ever saw him.

VeryDarkMan, in a video statement shared on Instagram on Tuesday, accepted complete blame for the disturbance.

With bandages covering his head and arm, he apologized for causing delays to passengers with pressing issues, like medical visits or work-related tasks.

"I deeply regret what occurred yesterday on the United Nigerian Airlines. What transpired was not meant to happen, and I will fully own up to it," he stated.

He offered sincere apologies to fellow passengers, the pilot, cabin crew, and even "all the mothers, all the fathers, all the uncles, and all the younger ones" aboard.

Although he acknowledged his actions were "irresponsible," he did not promise to prevent any future disputes, merely saying that such events would not happen in public areas such as airplanes or buses.

Comedian and media figure Mr Jollof also released an apology on Instagram, stating that he is "not a violent individual" and was only protecting himself during the incident.

He stated he bit VeryDarkMan in self-defense during the fight.

I wish to use this platform to genuinely apologize to the NCAA, United Nigeria Airlines, and the passengers. I was merely protecting myself. You all witnessed what occurred. I am truly sorry if I caused any delay in your schedule. I am very sorry. Forgive me.

"I am not the type of person who does this; it won't happen again. And to my wonderful wife, I know you're proud of me. And to my children, I'm sorry, daddy will never do this again," he said.

The NCAA has criticized the event, stating that disruptive passenger actions may result in legal consequences, potentially leading to imprisonment for those involved.

The NCAA's Acting Director of Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, referred to the incident as a "grave violation" that poses a risk to lives, highlighting that aviation rules forbid such actions.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).