Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the pilots of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Ondo State, died just 17 days after his wedding to a fellow Air Force officer.
Man-Ugwueje married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in an elaborate ceremony in Abuja on September 19, 2026, before he was killed in Monday’s crash involving NAF 931 in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The couple’s wedding was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, in Utako, Abuja, while the reception took place at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.
Photographs and videos from the ceremony were shared by the wedding planner and vendors involved in the event.
One of the videographers, Beejay Creates, posted footage from the ceremony with the caption, “Love in every word”, identifying the couple as “bride Damilola and groom Ahamefule”.
Man-Ugwueje was listed by the Nigerian Air Force as one of the five crew members killed when the ATR-42 aircraft crashed during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The NAF said 25 people, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, were on board the aircraft and confirmed on Tuesday that there were no survivors.
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” and condoled with 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 residents heard a loud sound before seeing the aircraft plunge into a swampy area in Igbokoda.
He said security personnel, emergency responders, residents and members of the Amotekun Corps joined the search operation after the crash.
The governor said no survivor had been found at the site despite the rescue efforts.
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