Asaba, Delta State — Nigerian carrier United Nigeria Airlines has confirmed that social media influencers Martins Otse (VeryDarkman) and Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof) were deboarded and handed over to airport security after a physical altercation during boarding on Tuesday.
The incident occurred aboard Flight UN0523 at Asaba International Airport and was captured in a viral video showing the two men engaged in a heated confrontation inside the aircraft.
In a statement, the airline’s Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, said the crew acted swiftly in line with global aviation safety protocols.
“United Nigeria Airlines confirms that an altercation occurred between two passengers, identified as Martins Otse ‘VeryDarkman’ and Freedom Atsepoyi ‘Mr Jollof’, during the boarding of Flight UN0523 at Asaba International Airport on the morning of November 17, 2025,” the statement read.
Uloka said cabin crew immediately intervened to de-escalate the situation and subsequently removed both passengers from the flight.
“In full compliance with global aviation safety protocols, our crew responded immediately and professionally to de-escalate the situation. Both passengers were deboarded without delay to ensure the safety, comfort, and security of all other passengers and crew members. They were subsequently handed over to airport security for further investigation,” he added.
The airline stressed that it operates a zero-tolerance policy toward any conduct that could endanger passengers or staff, stating that safety remains its highest priority.
After all safety and security procedures were completed, Flight UN0523 departed Asaba without the two influencers on board, while they remained in the custody of airport authorities for further questioning.
United Nigeria Airlines did not immediately disclose whether the incident would lead to further sanctions, such as flight bans or legal action, saying investigations were ongoing.
