Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the pilots aboard the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, died just two weeks after his wedding.
Drivetvnews gathered that Man-Ugwueje married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in an elaborate ceremony held in Abuja on September 19, 2026, according to details contained in the couple’s wedding invitation and posts shared by vendors involved in the ceremony.
The pilot’s Facebook profile listed Umuahia, Abia State, as his hometown and Abuja as his current city.
The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed on Monday while reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. It had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed on Tuesday that all 25 people aboard the aircraft died in the crash and released their identities. Man-Ugwueje was listed among the five crew members and identified as the co-pilot.
Checks on the social media pages of the wedding planner and vendors involved in the ceremony showed photographs and videos from Man-Ugwueje and Adekunle’s wedding.
One of the videographers, Beejay Creates, shared footage from the ceremony and identified the couple as bride Damilola and groom Ahamefule.
The wedding invitation showed that the couple’s Holy Matrimony took place at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, Utako, Abuja, while the reception was held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.
The invitation also identified Man-Ugwueje as the son of retired Group Captain Man-Ugwueje.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the crash as a painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who died.
The Nigerian Air Force has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had earlier said there were no survivors at the crash site following search efforts involving security personnel, emergency responders, local residents and members of the Amotekun Corps.
Aiyedatiwa said he was informed of the crash at about 10:30am on Monday after receiving a call from the chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area.
According to the governor, residents across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound before seeing the aircraft descend into a swampy area.
He said naval personnel initially assessed the situation to determine whether there was a fire or explosion before moving towards the crash site to search for possible survivors.
