Newlywed NAF Pilot Dies 16 Days After Wedding in Ondo Crash

October 6, 2026

Just Married, Then Tragedy: Ondo Crash Claims Pilot’s Life

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 just 16 days after his wedding.

Man-Ugwueje married fellow Nigerian Air Force officer Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in an elaborate ceremony in Abuja on September 19, 2026.

Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje Married 16 Days Before Crash

Man-Ugwueje and Adekunle exchanged marital vows on September 19 in Abuja, according to details from their wedding invitation and posts shared by vendors involved in the ceremony.

Their Holy Matrimony 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.

Wedding videographer Beejay Creates also shared photographs and footage from the ceremony, identifying the couple as bride Damilola and groom Ahamefule.

The wedding invitation identified Man-Ugwueje as the son of retired Group Captain Man-Ugwueje.

Newlywed Pilot Among 25 Ondo Crash Victims

Man-Ugwueje was identified by the Nigerian Air Force as one of the five crew members aboard NAF 931.

The aircraft was carrying 25 people — five crew members and 20 passengers — when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that there were no survivors.

The NAF identified Man-Ugwueje as a co-pilot.

The other crew members were Flight Captain Squadron Leader MI Aburime, Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC.

Wedding Photos Emerge After Ondo Air Crash

Photographs and videos from Man-Ugwueje and Adekunle’s wedding have attracted attention following the fatal crash.

The couple had celebrated their marriage in Abuja only a little over two weeks before Man-Ugwueje died in the aircraft accident.

According to information from his Facebook profile cited by local reports, Man-Ugwueje’s hometown was listed as Umuahia, Abia State, while Abuja was listed as his current city.

The tragedy has left his new wife, family, colleagues and friends mourning his death.

Nigerian Air Force Investigates Ondo Crash

The Nigerian Air Force has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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 and expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also declared three days of national mourning following the deaths and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country.

Tinubu ordered the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the crash and determine what caused the accident, with the aim of preventing a similar tragedy in the future.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.