This is the shocking moment social media influencers exchanged punches while boarding a flight in Nigeria.

The clash occurred on United Nigeria Airlines flight UN0523 between online star Matins Otse, known as Very Dark Man (VDM), and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, also known as Mr Jollof, on Monday.

Airline spokesman Chibuike Uloka said the confrontation erupted during boarding at Asaba International Airport that morning.

Footage shows the pair trading blows in the aisle of the Airbus A320 as holidaymakers looked on in disbelief.

Uloka said: 'In full compliance with global aviation safety protocols, our crew responded immediately and professionally to de-escalate the situation.

'Both passengers were de-boarded without delay to ensure the safety, comfort, and security of all other passengers and crew members.'

The two remain in the custody of authorities, while the flight continued to Lagos Murtala Mohammed Airport, departing Asaba at 9:47 am and arriving at 10:33 am local time.

The cause of the altercation between VDM and Mr Jollof has not been confirmed, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said it will investigate the incident.

Earlier this year, the NCAA temporarily barred musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM1, from flying due to alleged misconduct. The ban was later lifted, and he was appointed an aviation ambassador.

In another incident in August, a runway dispute erupted on an Ibom Air flight when a female passenger allegedly refused to turn off her phone, insisting it could remain in flight mode. Although the flight continued, the conflict resumed after landing, when the holidaymaker, identified by local media as Comfort Emmanson, allegedly assaulted a flight attendant.