Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, a pilot in the Nigerian Air Force, tragically died just 17 days after celebrating his marriage to fellow officer Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle.

The wedding, held on September 19, 2026, in Abuja, was an elaborate event at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, in Utako, with the reception at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.

Photos and videos captured the joyful occasion, shared by the event organisers. Beejay Creates, a videographer, posted footage with the caption “Love in every word," referring to the newlyweds as “bride Damilola and groom Ahamefule."

Unfortunately, Man-Ugwueje was among five crew members who lost their lives when an ATR-42 aircraft crashed during a routine flight from Benin to Lagos.

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that 25 individuals, including five crew and 20 passengers, were on board, with no survivors found. Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it "a profoundly painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation," and extended condolences to all affected. An investigation into the incident has been ordered to uncover the details surrounding the crash.

Earlier reports from Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa indicated that residents heard a loud noise before witnessing the aircraft’s descent into a swamp in Igbokoda. Emergency teams, security personnel, and local residents participated in the search efforts, which unfortunately did not recover any survivors.

ASA