By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
For Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, the Nigerian Air Force pilot who died in the ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, Monday was supposed to be another day of duty.
Instead, the crash has turned what should have been a routine flight into a devastating family tragedy, coming barely two weeks after the officer married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in an elaborate ceremony in Abuja.
Man-Ugwueje and Adekunle exchanged marital vows on September 19, 2026, according to details contained in their wedding invitation and posts by vendors who participated in the ceremony.
The couple’s Holy Matrimony was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, Plot 826, Solomon Lar Way, opposite the NHIS Headquarters/Customary Court of Appeal, Utako, Abuja, with the reception held later at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre, Km 10 Expressway, Asokoro.
The wedding invitation identified Man-Ugwueje as the son of retired Group Captain Man-Ugwueje.
Photographs and videos from the ceremony were also shared by vendors involved in the wedding.
One of the videographers, Beejay Creates, posted footage from the occasion with the caption, “Love in every word,” identifying the couple as “BRIDE DAMILOLA AND GROOM AHAMEFULE.”
Barely 16 days after the wedding, the newlywed officer was listed among the five crew members who died when the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in Igbokoda, in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Man-Ugwueje was identified by the Nigerian Air Force as the co-pilot of the aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.
The NAF on Tuesday confirmed that all 25 people on board the aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the accident and released the names of the victims.
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”, while expressing condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims.
The Service also ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Details from Man-Ugwueje’s Facebook profile indicate that Umuahia in Abia State was listed as his hometown, while Abuja was listed as his current city.
The crash occurred in a swampy area around Igbokoda, with Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, saying no survivor was found despite efforts by security personnel, emergency responders and local residents.
Aiyedatiwa said he was informed about the incident at about 10.30am on Monday after the chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area contacted him.
According to the governor, residents across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound and subsequently saw the aircraft plunge into a swampy area.
He said personnel of the Nigerian Navy initially remained cautious as they sought to establish whether there was any fire or explosion before moving towards the crash site.
“When they noticed that it’s just an accident, they didn’t see any sign of fire. So they moved in, trying to see if they could rescue the people,” the governor said.
Officials of the local emergency management agency, residents and personnel of the Amotekun Corps subsequently joined the search operation.
But the rescue effort ended in grief as authorities confirmed that there were no survivors.
