The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, says it has opened an investigation into the fight that broke out on an aircraft between social media personality Martins Vincent Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi also known as Mr Jollof.
The agency says the two men will face sanctions once the probe is completed.
A video of the incident, which has gone viral, shows both men exchanging punches inside the aircraft while shocked passengers tried to separate them.
NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu said the Authority will thoroughly review what happened and take necessary action according to aviation rules.
He explained that consequences are not given immediately on board an aircraft.
According to him, the process begins with aviation security removing the passengers, arresting them, and taking them in for questioning.
“After interrogation, a decision is made on prosecution. Prosecution is not instant,” he said.
Achimugu added that airlines also have the power to take quick decisions, including placing troublesome passengers on a no-fly list. However, he noted that such decisions still require management meetings and internal reviews.
Giving an update, the spokesperson said he had already contacted officials to find out what happened right after the fight.
He confirmed that both men were removed from the aircraft and taken to an interrogation room.
Achimugu also said he was waiting for the airline to forward its incident report, which he noted is normal procedure even in other countries.
He added that the NCAA will review the actions of everyone involved, not just the two men who fought.
“Our officers in Asaba have been asked to report what aviation security, the pilot, and other personnel did,” he said.
He explained that the investigation will look into how fast security responded, how long the fight lasted, whether the pilot called for help, and whether the passengers were detained or later released.
“When all of these are established, the relevant agencies will issue appropriate sanctions,” he added.
Achimugu also stressed that the NCAA itself cannot directly prosecute offenders, but it can advise airlines to blacklist unruly passengers and write to the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and the Inspector General of Police, IGP, to begin prosecution.
He described the behaviour of the two men as unacceptable, especially since they often warn their followers against such conduct.
“There is zero tolerance for unruly behaviour on an aircraft. Their actions put other passengers, crew, and even the aircraft at risk,” he said.
Further updates and official actions are expected once the investigation is completed.