Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the pilots of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, died just two weeks after his wedding.

Man-Ugwueje, who served as the co-pilot of the ill-fated aircraft, NAF 931, married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in an elaborate ceremony in Abuja on September 19, 2026.

Details contained in the couple’s wedding invitation, as well as photographs and videos shared by vendors involved in the ceremony, showed that their Holy Matrimony was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, Utako, Abuja.

The wedding ceremony was scheduled for 11am, while the reception followed at 3pm at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre, Asokoro, Abuja. The invitation identified Man-Ugwueje as the son of a retired Group Captain.

One of the videographers at the wedding, Beejay Creates, also shared footage from the ceremony, identifying the couple as “Bride Damilola and Groom Ahamefule.”

The aircraft, which had 25 people on board comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed that all 25 persons on board died in the accident.

The NAF listed Man-Ugwueje among the five crew members killed in the crash and identified him as the aircraft’s co-pilot.

Following the accident, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident 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.

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

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had earlier said no survivor was found at the crash site despite search efforts involving security agencies, emergency responders and local residents.

According to the governor, he received information about the crash at about 10:30am on Monday after the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area contacted him.

Aiyedatiwa said residents across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound and later saw the aircraft dive into a swampy area.

He said the Nigerian Navy initially held back to establish whether there was a 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.

He added that officials of the local emergency management agency, residents and personnel of the Amotekun Corps subsequently joined the search efforts.

The crash has cast a tragic shadow over Man-Ugwueje’s marriage, coming only 14 days after he and Adekunle exchanged wedding vows in Abuja.