Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the pilots of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, has died two weeks after his wedding.
Man-Ugwueje married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in an elaborate ceremony in Abuja on September 19, 2026.
Details of the wedding were confirmed through the couple’s invitation and posts shared by vendors who worked at the ceremony.
The wedding 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.
Man-Ugwueje was listed by the Nigerian Air Force as one of the five crew members who died in the crash. He was the co-pilot of the aircraft.
The ATR-42, with 25 people on board, crashed on Monday while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday confirmed that all 25 people on board died in the accident and released their names.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a painful moment for the Air Force and the nation while expressing condolences to the victims’ families, friends and colleagues.
The NAF also ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Earlier, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said no survivor had been found at the crash site despite search efforts involving security personnel, emergency responders and local residents.
According to the governor, residents near the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound before seeing the aircraft plunge into a swampy area.
He said the Navy, local emergency officials, residents and Amotekun personnel subsequently joined the search operation.
