The crash reportedly claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close friends and team members, identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, 36, a British citizen.
The family of world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has raised concerns over their inability to see the boxer following a fatal road crash on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday at the family’s Sagamu residence in Ijokun, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, said the incident came to the family as a “rude shock,” stressing that they were not immediately informed of the accident.
“Sincerely, the news that our son, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a fatal crash came to us as a rude shock,” he said.
“We did not get to hear this terrible news on time until calls started coming in from people seeking confirmation. Anthony comes home three or four times a year, especially during the festive season, and it is usually a time to rejoice with family. This was completely unexpected.”
He said that although the family has been in contact with Joshua’s parents, who are also in Nigeria, they have not been allowed to visit the boxer at the undisclosed medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment.
“We are all eager to see him, even if only three of us are allowed, but we understand the need to protect him given his global status,” he said.
The crash reportedly claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close friends and team members, identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, 36, a British citizen.
Joshua’s uncle expressed sadness over their deaths, saying, “We are really sad that two people who were very close to Joshua did not survive. Our hearts are with their families and associates. We pray that the Lord gives them strength to bear this painful loss.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said it is awaiting the outcome of a full technical investigation into the crash, with preliminary assessments suggesting excessive speed as a major factor.
FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said the accident occurred around 12 noon near the Sinoma axis of Sagamu and involved a black Lexus SUV with registration number KRD 850 HN, which collided with a stationary truck.
“When you look at the impact of that crash, it is clear that the vehicle was likely exceeding the speed limit,” Ogungbemide said. “Although there was no speed-measuring device at the exact point of impact, trained officers can infer likely speed from the damage and force involved. Only a full technical investigation will determine the exact cause.”
He added that “emergency teams responded within three minutes.”
The incident has drawn reactions from political leaders and community groups.
Lagos State 2023 Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, described the incident as a “painful and sobering tragedy.”
“Anthony Joshua remains a symbol of courage, discipline, resilience, and national pride. My thoughts and prayers are with him, the bereaved families, and all affected by this unfortunate incident,” Adebutu said.
Similarly, the Sagamu Youth Association expressed sadness over the development. Its Public Relations Officer, Olakunle Popoola, said, “Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and loved ones of the departed during this moment of immeasurable grief.”
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, also described the crash as “heart-wrenching and unacceptable,” using the incident to draw attention to Nigeria’s road safety challenges.
She had urged the federal government to establish well-equipped rest stations and a dedicated highway emergency rescue system to prevent similar incidents.
Following the crash, the Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission, Simon Field, visited Joshua at the Lagos hospital, while Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu were said to be monitoring his condition.
President Bola Tinubu was also briefed on the incident and reportedly spoke separately with Joshua and his mother to convey condolences.