RismadarVoice Reporters
October 6, 2026
Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the pilots aboard the Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, died just 16 days after marrying fellow Air Force officer, Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle.
Man-Ugwueje and Adekunle were married in Abuja on September 19, 2026, barely over two weeks before the October 5 tragedy.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was carrying 25 people — five crew members and 20 passengers — on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area.
The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed that all 25 people aboard the aircraft died and released the identities of the victims. Man-Ugwueje was identified as a co-pilot.
The couple’s 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 from the wedding have since resurfaced following confirmation of Man-Ugwueje’s death, drawing attention to the particularly painful circumstances of his loss.
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 country and expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who died.
The Air Force has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
President Bola Tinubu also declared three days of national mourning following the tragedy and directed that flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims. One of the pilots aboard the Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, died just 16 days after marrying fellow Air Force officer, Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle.
Man-Ugwueje and Adekunle were married in Abuja on September 19, 2026, barely over two weeks before the October 5 tragedy.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was carrying 25 people — five crew members and 20 passengers — on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area.
The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed that all 25 people aboard the aircraft died and released the identities of the victims. Man-Ugwueje was identified as a co-pilot.
The couple’s 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 from the wedding have since resurfaced following confirmation of Man-Ugwueje’s death, drawing attention to the particularly painful circumstances of his loss.
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 country and expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who died.
The Air Force has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
President Bola Tinubu also declared three days of national mourning following the tragedy and directed that flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims.
