FULL LIST: NAF names 25 victims of Ondo aircraft crash

Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, a pilot with the Nigerian Air Force, lost his life in a tragic air crash in Ondo State two weeks after his wedding, according to recent reports. The ceremony took place in Abuja on September 19, 2026, before the unfortunate incident occurred. Man-Ugwueje, who hailed from Umuahia, Abia State, was identified as the co-pilot of the ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, carrying 25 people including five crew members and 20 passengers.

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the loss of all lives on board and released their names. Wedding preparations, including photographs and videos, were shared by family members and vendors involved in the event. The bride, Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle, was from Abuja and tied the knot with Man-Ugwueje during the elaborate ceremony held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Abuja.

The Nigerian Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed deep sorrow over the crash, describing it as a painful moment for the nation. A comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has been initiated.