Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the Nigerian Air Force pilots who died in Monday’s ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, got married just two weeks before the tragedy.
Man-Ugwueje married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in an elaborate ceremony held in Abuja on September 19, 2026, according to the couple’s wedding invitation and posts by vendors involved in the ceremony.
The wedding ceremony 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 shared by the wedding planner and vendors captured the couple during the ceremony. One of the videographers, Beejay Creates, posted footage with the caption, “Love in every word.”
The wedding invitation identified Man-Ugwueje as the son of retired Group Captain Man-Ugwueje. His Facebook profile listed Umuahia, Abia State, as his hometown and Abuja as his current city.
The Nigerian Air Force identified Man-Ugwueje as the co-pilot among the five crew members killed when the ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in Igbokoda.
The aircraft, which had 25 people on board, including 20 passengers and five crew members, was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.
The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed that all 25 occupants died in the accident and released their identities.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the crash as a painful moment for the Air Force and the nation, while extending condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.
The Air Force has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had earlier said no survivor was found at the crash site despite search efforts involving security agencies, emergency responders, residents and the Amotekun Corps.
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 and other responders subsequently moved to the location after determining that the aircraft had crashed, but no survivor was found.
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