Seventeen days after celebrating his wedding in Abuja, Nigerian Air Force pilot, Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, was among the 25 people killed when a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Key Highlights
- Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje was the co-pilot of the ill-fated NAF 931 aircraft.
- Man-Ugwueje married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle on September 19, 2026, in Abuja.
- The Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed in a swampy area of Igbokoda, Ondo State.
- The aircraft was reportedly carrying 25 people, comprising five crew members and 20 others.
- The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that there were no survivors and released the identities of the victims.
- The military has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Newlywed NAF Pilot Dies 17 Days After Wedding
Man-Ugwueje married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle on September 19, 2026, in a ceremony attended by family members, friends and colleagues.
The wedding was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, Utako, Abuja, while the reception took place at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.
Photographs and videos from the ceremony showed the couple celebrating the beginning of their married life.
A videographer, Beejay Creates, who captured moments from the wedding, shared footage from the ceremony with the caption, “Love in every word,” identifying the couple as “BRIDE DAMILOLA AND GROOM AHAMEFULE.”
NAF Aircraft Crashes In Ondo
Just 17 days after the wedding, the celebration turned to grief following the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in a swampy area of Igbokoda.
The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed. It had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 others.
The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed that there were no survivors and released the identities of those killed in the crash, including Man-Ugwueje.
Read also:
- Adamawa Mourns Master Warrant Officer Matini Among Ondo Air Force Crash Victims
- Tinubu Declares Three Days Mourning After NAF Plane Crash Kills 32 in Ondo
- Tinubu Orders Investigation over NAF ATR-42 Crash in Ondo as Government Confirms 32 on Board
- Ondo Deploys Swamp Buggies to Recover NAF Crash Victims in Igbokoda
Military Orders Investigation Into Crash
The death of Man-Ugwueje has added a deeply personal dimension to the tragedy, as the pilot had only recently begun his married life with Flight Lieutenant Adekunle.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.
The military has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the aircraft crash.
Ondo Governor Confirms No Survivors
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had earlier disclosed that no survivor was found despite search efforts involving security agencies, emergency responders, local residents and members of the Amotekun Corps.
According to the governor, residents across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound before seeing the aircraft plunge into a swampy area.
Family Mourns Newlywed Pilot
For Man-Ugwueje’s family, colleagues and his newlywed wife, the tragedy has transformed memories of a wedding celebrated less than three weeks earlier into the painful reality of a life cut short.
His death is among the losses recorded in the Ondo Air Force crash, which has prompted mourning within the Nigerian Air Force and among families and communities connected to the victims.
For more defence and security news, follow us on X.
