A Nigerian Air Force pilot, Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, has died in the aircraft crash that occurred in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, barely two weeks after his wedding.
Man-Ugwueje, who served as the co-pilot of the NAF ATR-42 aircraft, marked his wedding to Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in Abuja on September 19, 2026.
The couple’s 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.
The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed on Monday while conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. It had 25 people on board, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members.
The Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday confirmed that all 25 occupants died in the crash and released the identities of the victims, including Man-Ugwueje.
Details from the wedding ceremony showed that the event was attended by family members, friends and colleagues, with photographs and videos later shared by vendors involved in the ceremony.
The groom was identified in the wedding invitation as the son of retired Group Captain Man-Ugwueje.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a painful loss to the service and the nation, while extending condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased.
The Air Force said a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had earlier disclosed that no survivor was found at the crash site despite efforts by security agencies, emergency responders and local residents.
The governor said he was informed of the incident at about 10.30am on Monday after receiving a call from the chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area.
According to him, residents across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud noise before seeing the aircraft plunge into a swampy area.
Aiyedatiwa said the Navy initially approached the scene cautiously to establish whether there had been a fire or explosion before moving in to search for possible survivors.
