UTELNOVA

Squadron Leader Aham Man Ugweje has been identified as the pilot of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, with reports that the officer had married only about two weeks before the tragedy.

Military sources identified Ugweje as the pilot who was flying the aircraft, which was travelling from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos on a routine mission when it crashed on Monday.

The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was operated by the NAF’s 81 Air Maritime Group based in Benin City. It was one of the ATR-42 aircraft used by the military for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, as well as limited transport duties.

Pilot reportedly married two weeks ago

According to a military source cited in reports, Squadron Leader Man Ugweje had recently gotten married.

The source reportedly described the development as particularly painful, saying the pilot had married approximately two weeks before the aircraft crash.

The information has added a deeply personal dimension to the tragedy as families and colleagues continue to mourn those who died in the accident.

However, the identities of all those who died have not been formally released in full by the Nigerian Air Force, as authorities have been working to notify families and relatives before making further announcements.

Who was flying the aircraft?

Military sources said the aircraft was attached to Squadron Leader MM Haruna, but he was not the pilot operating it during the ill-fated flight.

According to the reports, Ugweje was flying the aircraft, while Samuel Victor was serving as the technician.

Sources also indicated that some newly commissioned pilot officers were among those on board, although their identities and exact number had not been officially disclosed at the time of reporting.

Aircraft crashed in Ondo

The ATR-42 aircraft was travelling from Benin City to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it.

The wreckage was later located in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, near a naval base.

The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members, making a total of 32 people on board. President Bola Tinubu subsequently confirmed the deaths and ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Investigation begins

The cause of the crash has not yet been officially established.

President Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation to determine what led to the accident and to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has also indicated that it is ready to provide technical assistance if formally invited by the military authorities.

The tragic death of Squadron Leader Ugweje has added another personal story to a crash that has left the Nigerian Air Force, families of those aboard and the wider country in mourning.

Further details about the victims and the circumstances surrounding the crash are expected as the investigation progresses.

Utelnova will continue to provide verified updates as more information becomes available.