Aviation professionals and industry stakeholders have voiced concern after United Nigeria Airlines accepted public apologies from comedian Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof) and social media activist Martins Otse (Verydarkman), following their physical altercation aboard one of the carrier’s aircraft.
The incident occurred on a flight scheduled to depart Asaba International Airport for Lagos.
In a statement, the airline’s spokesperson, Chibuike Uloka, said the company had noted the remorse expressed by both men on social media.
He added that they have pledged to avoid any behaviour that could threaten aviation safety or disrupt order on future flights.
“We trust that this undertaking will be honoured in the interest of maintaining a safe, respectful, and orderly travel environment for all passengers,” Uloka stated.
The altercation, which occurred on Monday, has intensified calls from aviation stakeholders for tougher penalties against unruly passengers. The clash delayed the aircraft’s departure, disrupting travel plans for everyone on board.
The incident is the latest in a growing list of in-flight disruptions. On August 5, 2025, musician KWAM 1 sparked commotion at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport when he attempted to board a ValueJet flight with a prohibited alcohol flask.
Just days later, on August 10, another passenger, Emmanson, was taken off an Ibom Air flight from Lagos to Uyo after refusing to switch off her phone and becoming physically aggressive with flight attendants.
Despite public criticism and allegations of selective enforcement, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo intervened in both cases to prevent the imposition of tough penalties.
Experts maintain that firm penalties are essential to deter repeat offenders, warning that extending leniency to high-profile passengers could weaken the credibility of aviation safety rules.
United Nigeria Airlines praised the coordinated response of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, airport security teams, the Asaba International Airport Authority, and its own crew, saying the incident was handled professionally and in full compliance with safety protocols.
Uloka reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to tackling unruly passenger behaviour, adding that United Nigeria Airlines stands with the Airline Operators of Nigeria and regulators in upholding strict safety and conduct standards. He urged travellers to cooperate with airline staff and security personnel to safeguard the integrity of air travel.
“United Nigeria Airlines remains committed to delivering safe, reliable, and dignified service to all our passengers across our networks,” Uloka said.
Industry expert Olumide Ohunayo criticised the growing leniency in handling recent airport incidents, questioning when authorities would finally draw a firm line.
“When you keep giving a slap on the wrist, at what point will you draw the line? Are we still waiting for the NCAA to speak, or is an apology acceptable because it came from a celebrity? These individuals are public figures who should be setting examples, yet we continue to act as though airport safety and regulations are optional,” he said.
Retired Group Captain John Ojikuti likewise faulted the airline for accepting apologies instead of pursuing appropriate law enforcement action.
“Is the airline the enforcer of NCAA regulations? The NCAA has the power to investigate and hand culprits over to the police after they have been found guilty. Those who fought in the aircraft should be handed over to the police. Forgiving such behaviour should not be the duty of an airline,” Ojikuti said.
The incident underscores continuing debates within Nigeria’s aviation sector over the consistent enforcement of safety regulations.
