Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Nigerian Air Force Squadron Leader, identified in emerging reports as Aham Man Ugweje, has reportedly been identified as the pilot of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing all 32 people on board.
Ugweje was reportedly newly married before the fatal flight, according to a report published on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. However, his reported identification as the pilot has not yet been officially confirmed by the Nigerian Air Force.
The aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area on Monday, October 5, while on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft belonged to the service and said it was conducting a routine mission when the accident occurred.
According to aviation authorities, air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday before the aircraft was subsequently located in a swampy area near the naval base in Igbokoda.
The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, bringing the total number of people on board to 32.
President Bola Tinubu later confirmed that there were no survivors and directed the Nigerian Air Force to commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the Nigerian Air Force.
The President subsequently declared three days of national mourning for the Air Force personnel who died in the crash and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast.
The Presidency said the Air Force would release the names of the officers after contacting their families, making the formal identification process particularly important as details of the victims emerge.
The reported identification of Ugweje as the pilot has therefore not been presented as an official NAF casualty list at the time of this report. A publication carrying the claim also noted that formal confirmation from the Air Force was still pending.
The crash has triggered a formal investigation as authorities work to determine what caused the aircraft to go down during its routine flight.
The incident has also prompted renewed attention to the personnel aboard the aircraft, with further details about the victims expected to emerge as the Nigerian Air Force completes its identification and notification process.
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