Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the pilots aboard the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, has died two weeks after his wedding.
Man-Ugwueje married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in an elaborate ceremony held in Abuja on September 19, 2026. He was among the 25 people who died when the aircraft crashed during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
According to details of the wedding invitation and posts by vendors involved in the ceremony, the couple’s Holy Matrimony was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, in Utako, Abuja, while the reception took place at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.
The wedding videographer, Beejay Creates, had shared photographs and footage from the ceremony, identifying the couple as “Bride Damilola and Groom Ahamefule.”
The Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday confirmed that all 25 people aboard the aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the crash.
Man-Ugwueje was listed among the five crew members who lost their lives and was identified as the co-pilot of the aircraft.
The NAF said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
His death came barely two weeks after he exchanged marital vows with Adekunle, also a Nigerian Air Force officer, making the tragedy particularly painful for his family, colleagues and loved ones.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation” and expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of those who died.
The Air Force said a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had earlier said that no survivor was found at the crash site following search efforts involving security personnel, emergency responders and local residents.
Aiyedatiwa said he was informed of the crash at about 10:30am on Monday after the chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area contacted him.
According to the governor, residents across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound and subsequently saw the aircraft plunge into a swampy area.
He said the Nigerian Navy initially waited to ascertain whether there was a fire or explosion before moving towards the crash site.
“When they noticed that it’s just an accident, they didn’t see any sign of fire. So they moved in, trying to see if they could rescue the people,” the governor said.
Officials of the local emergency management agency, residents and members of the Amotekun Corps subsequently joined the search operation.
