Squadron Leader Man-Ugwueje Dies in NAF Plane Crash

On October 7, 2026, it was reported that Squadron Leader Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje, a pilot in the Nigerian Air Force, tragically died in a plane crash shortly after marrying Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle on September 19, 2026. The aircraft, tail number NGR 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed into a swamp near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.

Initial reports indicated 32 people were onboard, but a subsequent list confirmed 25 passengers and five crew members. The crew included Squadron Leader MI Aburime as Flight Captain and Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje as co-pilot.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stated that air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at approximately 9:13 a.m. after failing to establish radio communication. Squadron Leader Man-Ugwueje had a distinguished military career, having completed flight training in Nigeria and South Africa, and was decorated with pilot wings in April 2018.