One of the co-pilots aboard the Nigerian Air Force ATR 42-500 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday was Squadron Leader Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje.
Man-Ugwueje reportedly married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in Abuja on September 19, barely two weeks before the fatal crash.
Videos and photographs of the ceremony circulating online showed the couple celebrating their wedding.
A Squadron Leader in the Nigerian Air Force is equivalent to a Major in the Nigerian Army.
Man-Ugwueje, who was from Umuahia, Abia State, and lived in Abuja, is survived by his wife, parents and other family members.
Watch: Videos of pre-wedding shoot of Squadron Leader, Ahan Man Ugweje, the pilot of the NAF ATR-42-500MP that crashed in Igbokoda in Ondo State on Monday, October, 5th, 2026.
He reportedly got married about two weeks ago. https://t.co/6C3T7oBVg4
— Adetayo Omotoyosi Adeolu IJAYA JOURNALIST (@omotoyosiiwrit) October 6, 2026
The ATR 42-500 aircraft, with registration NAF 931, was carrying 25 people, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, when it crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed on Tuesday that there were no survivors and released the names of all 25 people who died in the accident.
According to aviation records, the aircraft had been in storage in Mönchengladbach, Germany, since 2021 before undergoing a Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) and returning to service in December 2024.
The 18-year-old aircraft had reportedly been used for VIP movements, the transportation of students and personnel, as well as other operational duties, before Monday’s crash.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
