KEY POINTS
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The in-flight brawl led United Nigeria Airlines to take action.
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The in-flight brawl prompted both influencers to issue public apologies.
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The in-flight brawl underscores the importance of aviation safety measures.
United Nigeria Airlines has acknowledged public apologies from two social media personalities following an altercation on one of its flights earlier this week, an incident that garnered significant attention and reignited discussions on passenger conduct within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
In-flight brawl prompts airline response
The altercation transpired on Monday during the boarding process at Asaba International Airport, lasting sufficiently to disturb passengers and necessitate intervention from the crew. The airline, in a statement issued on Thursday, acknowledged the apologies made by Martins Otse, known online as VeryDarkMan, and by comedian and media figure Freedom Atsepoyi, commonly referred to as Mr Jollof.
The corporation recognized its commitments to refrain from actions that may interrupt operations or jeopardize safety. Both men have publicly pledged to maintain order and adhere to airline regulations on future flights. United Nigeria Airlines expressed its anticipation that these assurances will remain intact, emphasizing the necessity for a stable and foreseeable environment for all passengers.
Passengers affected by in-flight brawl
The airline stated it continues to collaborate with the Airline Operators of Nigeria and aviation regulators to mitigate unruly behavior. It urged travelers to collaborate with crew members, security personnel, and airport officials to safeguard the safety infrastructure upon which the air transport industry depends.
According to punch, video circulating online depicted the two men exchanging punches and grappling within the cabin as boarding progressed. The crew members swiftly intervened to separate them. The airline subsequently verified that both individuals were ejected from the airplane and surrendered to airport security personnel.
The conflict seems to originate from a dispute that commenced in 2024, when VeryDarkMan openly pledged to challenge Mr. Jollof. In his apologetic video released on Tuesday, he was seen with bandages on his head and an arm sling. He acknowledged responsibility for the disruption and expressed remorse for inconveniencing passengers who could have had medical appointments or professional obligations.
He expressed remorse to the flight staff, the families aboard, and the other passengers who observed the altercation. He acknowledged his behavior as irresponsible but stated that, although he could not guarantee the absence of future problems, such conflicts would not occur in public transportation environments again.
Mr. Jollof made an apology on Instagram. He stated that he does not perceive himself as a violent individual and asserted that he acted in self-defense during the altercation, claiming he bit Otse while trying to safeguard himself. He extended his apologies to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the airline, and the passengers whose travel arrangements were affected.Â
