What Caused the VDM and Mr Jollof Fight? A Full Breakdown of the In-Flight Brawl

On the morning of Monday, November 17, 2025, a routine United Nigeria Airlines flight from Asaba to Lagos was transformed into the scene of a viral altercation. Two of Nigeria's most prominent social media figures, Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan, or VDM) and Freedom Atsepoyi (Mr Jollof), engaged in a physical fight mid-air, leading to their removal from the aircraft and potential legal sanctions.

The Origins of the VDM Mr Jollof Beef

The feud between VDM and Mr Jollof did not emerge in a vacuum. It traces back to 2024, when VDM, a vocal social media activist known for calling out perceived injustices, targeted Mr Jollof over his endorsement of Blord's BillPoint app. VDM accused Mr Jollof of promoting the platform despite numerous customer complaints about withheld funds and alleged scams.

In response, Mr Jollof vehemently denied the allegations, escalating the situation by threatening to slap VDM if they ever met in person. VDM, never one to back down, retorted with promises of retaliation, further fueling the online drama.

The conflict intensified when VDM allegedly dragged Mr Jollof's wife into the fray, claiming she was involved with "Yahoo boys" (internet fraudsters). This personal attack crossed a line for Mr Jollof, leading him to file a N500 million lawsuit against VDM for defamation. Court documents from that period highlight the bitterness, with Mr Jollof seeking damages for reputational harm.

Although the lawsuit's outcome remains unresolved in public records, it set the stage for simmering tensions that boiled over a year later.

What Happened During the VDM Mr Jollof Plane Incident

The incident occurred during the boarding process of United Nigeria Airlines flight UN0523 at Asaba International Airport.

A viral video captured the heart of the confrontation, providing a visual account of the events.

The altercation unfolded shortly before takeoff on United Nigeria Airlines Flight from Asaba to Lagos. According to multiple eyewitness accounts, VDM was seated in row 4, while Mr Jollof occupied seat 7. VDM approached Mr Jollof, reminding him of the 2024 threat: "You said if you saw me, you would slap me. I'm here, do it."

Initially, Mr Jollof ignored the provocation, prompting VDM to return to his seat. However, VDM came back, persisting until Mr Jollof slapped him.

In the clip, VDM can be seen approaching Mr Jollof's seat. Eyewitnesses heard VDM declare, "I go slap you come down from this plane," just before the situation rapidly escalated into a physical exchange of blows.

VDM retaliated with a slap, and the situation devolved into a full brawl. Videos show punches being exchanged, VDM delivering a headbutt, and Mr Jollof allegedly biting VDM on the chest. Passengers screamed as the fight disrupted the cabin, with some intervening to separate the men.

The scuffle lasted several minutes before cabin crew and fellow travelers restored order. One video captures VDM headbutting Mr Jollof, while another shows the chaotic separation. VDM later posted on Facebook: "I don chop Jollof father for inside plane. He bite me, man wey de bite," displaying bite marks as evidence.

From the video frames, the fight appears intense but contained, with no serious injuries reported immediately. However, the confined space of the aircraft amplified the danger, raising concerns about passenger safety.

Eyewitness Accounts of the VDM Mr Jollof Altercation

Passengers on the flight provided vivid recounts via social media. One X user described: "VDM kept provoking until Jollof finally slapped him. VDM slapped back, and the fight escalated into punches, dragging, and even bite marks." Another witness noted the initial confusion: "We thought they were joking until it turned serious."

An airport staff member claimed his phone was smashed while recording, but VDM allegedly compensated him with a new upgraded iPhone 17. These accounts paint a picture of a preventable escalation, with VDM often cited as the instigator.

Aftermath: Detention and Potential Consequences for VDM and Mr Jollof

Following the fight, both men were deboarded and detained at the Delta State Airport Police Command. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) launched an investigation, with spokesperson Michael Achimugu stating: "The NCAA will do its part... appropriate ramifications would be dished out." Potential outcomes include blacklisting from airlines and prosecution for unruly behavior.

United Nigeria Airlines confirmed the removal of the duo to ensure flight safety. Legal experts suggest fines or jail time under aviation laws, emphasizing that in-flight fights endanger lives.

Mr Jollof addressed the incident in a video, downplaying injuries but confirming the bite as self-defense. VDM, meanwhile, celebrated his "victory" online, further polarizing opinions.

Official Stance and Potential Sanctions from Aviation Authorities

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the nation's aviation regulatory body, has broken its silence on the incident. Through a statement from Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the NCAA has made its position unequivocally clear.

The authority has condemned the "unacceptable behaviour" and emphasised that the actions of the two men endangered the safety of all other passengers, the crew, and the aircraft itself. . The NCAA has stated there is "no tolerance for unruly behaviour aboard an aircraft" and that both individuals will "face the full strength of the law".

Formal sanctions are expected once the airline's official report is submitted and the NCAA's investigation is complete. The Director also expressed particular disappointment that both individuals, as influencers with millions of followers, were "partners in educating their followers to avoid unruly behaviour," making their actions "even more shameful".

Public Reactions to the VDM Mr Jollof Fight

The incident trended heavily on X, with over thousands of posts. Supporters of VDM praised his boldness: "At least VDM and Mr Jollof fight for plane, you wey fight for Oshodi motor park." Critics condemned both: "This is totally unacceptable."

Memes flooded timelines, comparing the fight to wrestling matches or celebrity beefs. Broader commentary highlighted maturity issues: "These guys sha know how to make themselves relevant." The event also sparked debates on banning disruptive celebrities from flights.