Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has been hospitalised following a fatal road accident along the Makun axis of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, which claimed the lives of two persons on Monday.
The accident occurred at about 11 a.m., before Danco Filling Station, near the Sagamu Interchange, on the Ibadan-bound lane.
The Ogun State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists, noting that Joshua and other injured victims were rushed to hospital.
Eyewitnesses said the black Lexus SUV, with registration number KRD 850 HN, conveying Joshua, collided with a stationary truck parked by the roadside.
Joshua reportedly sustained minor injuries, while two occupants of the vehicle died on the spot.
An eyewitness said the convoy comprised two vehicles — a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV — with Joshua seated at the rear of the Lexus.
“There were four occupants in the Lexus. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another passenger beside him, while another sat in front. His security detail followed in another vehicle. Rescue efforts began immediately before FRSC officials arrived. Unfortunately, two persons died instantly,” the eyewitness said.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) arrived shortly after and carried out rescue operations, traffic control and evacuation of victims.
In a statement signed by the Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC confirmed that the crash involved a Lexus SUV and a stationary red Sinotruck.
According to the Corps, four adult males were involved in the crash: two died, one sustained injuries, while one escaped unhurt.
“Anthony Joshua was rescued alive with minor injuries and taken to hospital. The remains of the deceased were deposited at Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu, while the Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division has been notified for further investigation,” the statement read.
Preliminary findings attributed the crash to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, as the Lexus reportedly lost control while attempting to overtake before ramming into the stationary truck.
I spoke on phone with Anthony Joshua, mother—Tinubu
Meanwhile , President Bola Tinubu has said he spoke by phone with Anthony Joshua, the Nigerian-British former heavyweight boxing champion, following the tragic accident in Ogun State.
The phone conversation was made public via a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
The statement quoted Tinubu as saying: “I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital.
“I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.
“Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention.”
Earlier, in a statement on X, President Tinubu, who is currently abroad, expressed profound sympathy for the boxer over the accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
“I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride.
“In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.
“I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.”