The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that it will investigate the in-flight altercation between social media personalities Martins Vincent Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan and Comedian Freedom Atsepoyi also known as Mr Jollof, promising that sanctions will follow based on the findings.
This came after a video which has since gone viral, shows both men exchanging blows aboard an aircraft while alarmed passengers attempted to separate them.
NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu while reacting to the incident said the Authority would ensure that the matter is thoroughly examined and handled in accordance with aviation regulations.
“But it does not happen in the exact moment that the incident occurs. First, aviation security must deboard and arrest both passengers and taken to the investigation room.”
“After questioning, a decision is made to prosecute them. Prosecution is not instant.”
He noted that the airlines also have the power to take swift internal decisions, including placing unruly passengers on a no-fly list.
“What could happen faster is the airlines placing the unruly passengers on a no-fly list, and even that would happen after management meetings, debates, and action.”
Providing further updates, Achimugu revealed he was already engaging officials to confirm what transpired immediately after the fight.
“This event in Asaba just happened. I was boarding a flight out of Nigeria when the report from an X user got to me. As soon as I landed at the transit airport, I made calls. I have been informed that both passengers were deplaned (this is good) and taken to interrogation room.”
“I have asked why the airline has not forwarded an incident report and I am told that they are presently in a management meeting. This is normal, too. Even abroad.”
According to him, the Authority will examine the conduct of not only the unruly passengers but also aviation personnel on duty.
“What I can assure you is this; the NCAA will do its part. Our officers in Asaba have been tasked to find and report the exact actions taken by aviation security, pilot, and other personnel.”
“This may go beyond just the two passengers. How long did it take for security to arrive? How long did the incident last before the pilot called for security, if he did.”
“If the passengers were arrested, are they still in detention? If they were released, why?.”
“When all of these are decided, appropriate ramifications would be dished by relevant agencies.”
Achimugu clarified that while the NCAA cannot directly prosecute offenders, it will recommend punitive actions to relevant authorities.
“I must note that the NCAA does not have prosecutorial powers. The Authority, as with previous cases, would surely advise the airline to blacklist the passengers and write the AGF and the IGP to prosecute the unruly passengers.”
“Your post is not wrong per ramifications. It is only that those ramifications cannot be dished out on the spot. Action will be taken.”
Confirming the immediate consequence of the in-flight clash, he added that the two social media figures were removed from the aircraft.
“There is no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft. Both individuals will face the full strength of the law. It is even more shameful when one considers both of them partners in educating their millions of followers to avoid unruly behaviour.”
“While waiting for information (I have reached out to our staff for details now that I am on ground), one wonders if the pilot had both passengers deplaned or if they were flown to destination. If it was the latter, there will be consequences.”
“The actions of both men put the safety of all other passengers and the crew at risk. It also put the safety of the aircraft at risk.”
“The NCAA has exerted a lot of energy and resources in educating passengers about the dangers of unruly behaviour and its consequences.”
The Authority is expected to announce further actions once its investigation is concluded.
