Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the pilots of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, died two weeks after exchanging marital vows with Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in an elaborate wedding ceremony in Abuja.
The couple got married in Abuja on September 19, 2026 Photographs and videos from the ceremony showed the two military officers celebrating their union surrounded by family, friends and colleagues.
The wedding ceremony was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, in Utako, Abuja, with the reception later taking place at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed on Tuesday that all 25 people aboard the aircraft died after it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers.
Man-Ugwueje was identified as the co-pilot of the ill-fated aircraft. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed near the naval base at Igbokoda.
His name appeared alongside those of the other crew members released by the Air Force, including the flight captain, another co-pilot and two aircraft technicians.
Pictures from Man-Ugwueje and Adekunle’s wedding captured the pair in their wedding attire, smiling and posing for photographs during the ceremony.
The crash has drawn nationwide mourning, with President Bola Tinubu declaring three days of national mourning for the military personnel who lost their lives and ordering flags to be flown at half-mast.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the accident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, while assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s support.
The Air Force has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.