The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched an investigation into the viral fracas involving social media personalities VeryDarkman and Mr Jollof aboard United Nigeria Airlines Flight UN0523 at the Asaba International Airport, Delta State.
The authority has directed its officials to review the conduct of aviation security personnel, the flight crew and other staff who handled the incident.
NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu said the airline had yet to file an official incident report, but noted that the regulator would proceed with its own findings.
He explained that while the NCAA lacks prosecutorial powers, it may advise the airline to blacklist the passengers involved and formally notify the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police for possible prosecution.
The scuffle has drawn public criticism, with many calling for tougher sanctions against unruly passengers.
Achimugu stressed that the authority would take appropriate action once its investigation is concluded.
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“This event in Asaba just happened. I was boarding a flight out of Nigeria when the report from an X user got to me. As soon as I landed at the transit airport, I made calls. I have been informed that both passengers were deplaned (this is good) and taken to the interrogation room.
“I have asked why the airline has not forwarded an incident report and I am told that they are presently in a management meeting. This is normal, too. Even abroad.
“What I can assure you is this: the NCAA will do its part. Our officers in Asaba have been tasked to find and report the exact actions taken by aviation security, pilot, and other personnel. This may go beyond just the two passengers. How long did it take for security to arrive? How long did the incident last before the pilot called for security, if he did.
“If the passengers were arrested, are they still in detention? If they were released, why? When all of these are decided, appropriate ramifications would be dished by relevant agencies.
“I must note that the NCAA does not have prosecutorial powers. The authority, as with previous cases, would surely advise the airline to blacklist the passengers and write the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and the Inspector General of Police, IGP, to prosecute the unruly passengers.”
