Experts call for more severe punishment for flight disruptions

Friday, November 21, 2025 - Professionals and stakeholders in the aviation industry have expressed concern after United Nigeria Airlines formally accepted public apologies from Nigerian comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, popularly known as Mr Jollof, and social media activist Martins Otse, widely called Verydarkman.

The two men were involved in a physical altercation inside one of the airline’s aircraft. The incident occurred on a flight scheduled to depart Asaba International Airport for Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

In a statement issued by the airline’s Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, United Nigeria Airlines confirmed it had acknowledged the remorse expressed by both individuals on social media platforms. The airline said both men pledged to refrain from any future actions that could jeopardise aviation safety or disrupt order on its flights or any other airline.

“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 incident, which occurred on Monday, prompted calls from aviation stakeholders for stricter penalties against passengers who disrupt flights. The clash delayed the departure of the aircraft, affecting all onboard.

The episode follows a series of similar incidents. On August 5, 2025, KWAM 1 caused disruption at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by attempting to board a ValueJet flight carrying a prohibited flask of alcohol.

On August 10, 2025, a passenger, Emmanson, was removed from an Ibom Air flight from Lagos to Uyo after refusing to turn off her phone as instructed by crew members and subsequently becoming physically aggressive toward flight attendants.

While these incidents attracted public criticism over selective enforcement, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, intervened to prevent heavy sanctions against the individuals involved.

Experts, however, insisted that adequate punishment is necessary to deter repeat offenders. Aviation industry observers emphasised that forgiving celebrities without consequences could undermine the integrity of airline safety regulations.

United Nigeria Airlines commended the coordinated intervention by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Airport Security, Asaba International Airport Authority, and its own crew members, noting that the situation was professionally contained in compliance with aviation safety protocols.

Reiterating its commitment to curbing unruly passenger behaviour, Uloka stated that the airline aligns with the Airline Operators of Nigeria and regulatory authorities to maintain high safety and behavioural standards. He urged passengers to cooperate with airline staff and airport security personnel to protect 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 leniency shown in recent airport incidents, questioning when authorities would 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 also condemned the airline’s decision to accept apologies in lieu of 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 highlights ongoing debates in Nigeria’s aviation sector about the enforcement of safety regulations, accountability for passengers, and the limits of corporate discretion when addressing breaches of aviation security.