Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, a Nigerian Air Force pilot, died two weeks after his wedding. Man-Ugwueje served as the co-pilot of the NAF 931 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State. He married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in Abuja on September 19, 2026.
Photos and videos from the ceremony appeared on pages linked to the wedding vendors. One videographer, Beejay Creates, shared footage with the caption, “Love in every word.” The post identified the couple as “BRIDE DAMILOLA AND GROOM AHAMEFULE.”
The couple held their Holy Matrimony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, in Utako, Abuja. Their reception followed at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.
The wedding invitation listed Man-Ugwueje as the son of retired Group Captain Man-Ugwueje. His Facebook profile also listed Umuahia, Abia State, as his hometown.
Abuja was listed as his current city. Sadly, the newlywed pilot died just 14 days after the celebration.
The Tragedy
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that 25 people died in the crash. The victims included five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft was travelling from Benin to Lagos on a routine mission.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, called the incident “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.” He also condoled with the victims’ families, friends and colleagues. The NAF has ordered a full investigation into the crash.
Earlier, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said rescuers found no survivors. Residents near the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda reportedly heard a loud sound before the crash. The aircraft then plunged into a swampy area. According to the governor, the Navy first checked for signs of fire or an explosion. Rescue teams later moved into the area.
Local residents, emergency officials and Amotekun Corps personnel also joined the search. The tragic crash has now left a newlywed family and many others mourning.
