Newlywed NAF pilot among victims of fatal Ondo crash
One of the pilots of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, died just two weeks after his wedding.
Man-Ugwueje married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in an elaborate ceremony held in Abuja on September 19, 2026, according to details from the couple’s wedding invitation and posts shared by vendors involved in the ceremony.
The 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, Asokoro. The invitation identified Man-Ugwueje as the son of retired Group Captain Man-Ugwueje.
Man-Ugwueje was identified by the NAF as the co-pilot of the aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area.
The aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, all of whom died in the crash. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently released the identities of the victims.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a painful moment for the NAF and the country, while extending condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims. The service also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said residents across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound and later saw the aircraft plunge into a swampy area. He said the Navy initially stayed back to determine whether there was any fire or explosion before moving towards the crash site.
Aiyedatiwa said no survivor had been found despite search efforts involving security personnel, emergency responders, residents and Amotekun Corps personnel, adding that he received information about the crash at about 10:30am on Monday from the chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area.
