Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the pilots of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, had married just two weeks before the accident.
According to The PUNCH, Man-Ugwueje tied the knot with Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle on September 19, 2026. This happened during an elaborate wedding ceremony in Abuja.
The Nigerian Air Force listed him among the five crew members who died in Monday’s crash.
Wedding held in Abuja
Details from the couple’s wedding invitation and posts shared by vendors involved in the ceremony showed that their Holy Matrimony took place at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, Utako, Abuja.
The ceremony was scheduled for 11am, while the reception followed at 3pm at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.
One of the videographers at the wedding, Beejay Creates, shared footage from the event with the caption, “Love in every word.”
The post identified the couple as “BRIDE DAMILOLA AND GROOM AHAMEFULE.”
The wedding invitation also identified Man-Ugwueje as the son of a retired Group Captain.
NAF confirms 25 deaths
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed on Tuesday that all 25 people aboard the aircraft died in the crash.
The aircraft was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
Man-Ugwueje was identified as the co-pilot.
According to information on his Facebook profile, his hometown was listed as Umuahia, Abia State. Meanwhile, Abuja was listed as his current city.
NAF orders investigation
Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke described the crash as a painful loss to the Air Force and the country.
He expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who died.
The Nigerian Air Force said a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
No survivor found
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had earlier said no survivor was found during initial search operations at the crash site.
He said residents living across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound before seeing the aircraft dive into a swampy area.
Security personnel, emergency responders, local residents and members of the Amotekun Corps later joined the search.
Aiyedatiwa described the incident as a painful tragedy for Ondo State and the country.
