Nigerian Air Force Co-Pilot's Abuja Wedding Preceded Ondo Crash by Two Weeks
Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, co-pilot of the fatal NAF 931 flight, had married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in an elaborate Abuja ceremony two weeks before the crash in Ondo State that killed all 25 on board.
Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle on September 19, 2026.
The couple's elaborate wedding was held in Abuja. The ceremony and reception were documented through posts shared by the vendors who participated.
Wedding details confirmed by vendors
Details of the wedding were confirmed through posts shared by the wedding planner and vendors. Videographer Beejay Creates shared photographs and footage from the ceremony on its social media platforms with the caption "Love in every word." The post identified the couple as 'BRIDE DAMILOLA AND GROOM AHAMEFULE'.
The wedding invitation provided the full schedule and locations.
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Holy Matrimony | 11am | Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, Plot 826, Solomon Lar Way, Utako, Abuja |
| Reception | 3pm | Nigerian Army Conference Centre, Km 10 Expressway, Asokoro, Abuja |
The invitation also identified the groom as the son of retired Group Captain Man-Ugwueje.
Crash circumstances and response
The NAF 931 aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday, October 5, 2026. The Nigerian Air Force stated the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. It had 25 people on board: five crew members, including Man-Ugwueje, and 20 passengers.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said he received information about the crash at about 10.30am on Monday after a call from the chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area. Residents across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound and later saw the aircraft dive into a swampy area.
The Nigerian Navy initially stayed back to determine whether there was any fire or explosion before moving towards the crash site. When they noticed it was just an accident with no sign of fire, they moved in to try to rescue people. Officials of the local emergency management agency, residents and personnel of the Amotekun Corps joined the search for survivors.
Governor Aiyedatiwa confirmed no survivor had been found at the crash site. The Nigerian Air Force confirmed on Tuesday that all 25 people on board had died.
Official reactions and background
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the crash as "a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation." He extended condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims. The Nigerian Air Force ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
According to his Facebook profile, Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje hailed from Umuahia in Abia State. Abuja was listed as his current city.
The Nigerian Air Force has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the NAF 931 crash.
