The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority says it is taking action after a now-viral video showed social media influencers Martins Otse (Verydarkman/VDM) and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof) fighting inside an airplane in Asaba.
The Director of Public Affairs at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, confirmed via his X handle that both men were deplaned and taken into an interrogation room, describing their behaviour as a serious safety risk to passengers, crew and the aircraft.
Achimugu said the airline has not yet submitted its official incident report because its management is still meeting.
He added that NCAA officers in Asaba have been directed to confirm exactly what aviation security, the pilot, and other personnel did during the incident.
“Our officers in Asaba have been tasked to find and report the exact actions taken by aviation security, the pilot, and other personnel," he said.
"This may go beyond just the two passengers… If the passengers were arrested, are they still in detention? If they were released, why?”
He stressed that the NCAA does not have prosecutorial powers but will advise the airline to blacklist both passengers and write to the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police for prosecution.
“The Authority will surely advise the airline to blacklist the passengers and write the AGF and the IGP to prosecute the unruly passengers,” he added.
Achimugu reiterated that there is zero tolerance for unruly behaviour on flights and assured that appropriate sanctions will follow once all details are verified.
The fight, which left passengers in shock, was captured on video and has been circulating widely online.
