Squadron Leader Aham Man Ugweje, the Nigerian Air Force pilot who was flying the aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, had reportedly got married just two weeks before the tragedy.
Ugweje was identified as the pilot of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42-500MP Maritime Patrol aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, which crashed while on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.
A military source confirmed that Ugweje was piloting the aircraft, while Samuel Victor served as the technician.
“Squadron Leader Man Ugweje Aham was the pilot of the ill-fated aircraft. Sadly, he got married two weeks ago. The technician is Samuel Victor, but I can’t confirm his rank,” the source said.
The aircraft was operated by the 81 Air Maritime Group, based in Benin City, and was one of two ATR-42 aircraft used by the military for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations, as well as limited transport duties.
Other personnel, including some newly commissioned pilot officers, were also reportedly aboard the aircraft.
The exact number of people on board remained unclear, while the identities of other affected officers were being withheld pending official notification of their families.
A Squadron Leader in the Nigerian Air Force is equivalent in rank to a Major in the Nigerian Army.
The Nigerian military acquired the ATR-42 under a $73 million agreement signed in 2007 with Alenia Aeronautica, now known as Leonardo, and took delivery of the aircraft in December 2010.