Tragedy has struck a Nigerian Air Force family after Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the pilots aboard the military aircraft that crashed in Ondo State, died just 16 days after his wedding.
Man-Ugwueje reportedly got married to fellow Nigerian Air Force officer, Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle, on September 19, 2026, in Abuja.
The couple’s wedding ceremony was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, Utako, while the reception took place at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.
Barely two weeks into their marriage, tragedy struck when the Nigerian Air Force aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed at Igbokoda in Ondo State on October 5.
The aircraft was reportedly carrying 25 people, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members. All occupants were reported killed in the crash.
Man-Ugwueje, who served as co-pilot on the aircraft, was said to have come from a military family, with his father reportedly a retired Group Captain.
His newlywed wife, Flight Lieutenant Adekunle, is also an officer of the Nigerian Air Force.
The circumstances surrounding the crash are still being investigated by the Nigerian Air Force, and the cause of the accident has not been officially established.
The death of Man-Ugwueje, coming only 16 days after his wedding, has added a deeply personal dimension to the tragedy and left his family, colleagues and loved ones mourning the loss of a newlywed officer.
