Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, a co-pilot of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, had tragically tied the knot just two weeks before the fatal incident.
Man-Ugwueje married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in Abuja on September 19, 2026, according to details on their wedding invitation and posts shared by event vendors on social media.
Details from the invitation showed that the Holy Matrimony was held at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Master’s Place, in Utako, Abuja, followed by a reception at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro. The invitation also identified the late co-pilot as the son of retired Group Captain Man-Ugwueje.
Footage and photos from the ceremony were shared online by event videographer Beejay Creates, who posted clips of the couple with the caption, “Love in every word,” identifying them as “Bride Damilola and Groom Ahamefule.” A native of Umuahia, Abia State, Man-Ugwueje resided in Abuja prior to his passing.
The NAF ATR-42 aircraft was on a routine military mission from Benin to Lagos carrying 25 individuals—comprising five crew members and 20 passengers—when it went down in a swampy area near Igbokoda. On Tuesday, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that all 25 personnel on board perished in the crash and released the official list of victims.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, confirmed that search and rescue teams involving the Nigerian Navy, the Amotekun Corps, local emergency responders, and community residents found no survivors at the scene. Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that nearby residents heard a loud impact around 10:30 a.m. on Monday before seeing the aircraft dive into the marshland across the river from the naval base.
Expressing deep grief over the tragedy, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the crash as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.” He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, loved ones, and colleagues of the victims, confirming that a comprehensive investigation has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.
