The former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua made a return to Nigeria, looking forward to celebrating the end of the year and spending time with his family in Sagamu, Ogun State, shortly after achieving an impressive win in a recent boxing match. Once a treasured custom of returning home for festivities became tragically heartbreaking as a terrible accident took the lives of two close companions who were traveling with him, bringing a dark cloud over what was meant to be a period of coming together, happiness, and festivity, according to BANKOLE TAIWO.
Ten Following his victory over YouTube personality turned boxer Jake Paul with a sixth-round technical knockout in Miami, United States, former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua traveled back to Nigeria for year-end festivities.
A cheerful Joshua arrived with two of his closest friends and personal trainers: Sina Ghami, a Briton, and Ayodele Kelvin Lateef, a British-Nigerian like Joshua himself.
Unfortunately, just six hours after arriving at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos, and as he was traveling back to his hometown, the joyful return became heartbreaking.
A mere 10 minutes' drive from Sagamu, the driver-operated Lexus SUV carrying Joshua crashed into a parked truck close to Danco Filling Station on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Ghami and Lateef died immediately in the accident, whereas Joshua suffered only slight injuries. The man who was driving, later recognized as Kolawole Adeniyi, also lived through the incident.
In individual announcements, the Ogun State Police Command and the Federal Road Safety Corps verified the event, citing high speeds and improper lane changing as causes.
The police representative from Ogun State, CSP Omolola Odutola, mentioned that inquiries have begun regarding the details of the accident.
"The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that internationally acclaimed boxer Anthony Joshua was part of a vehicle collision this morning, Monday, December 29, 2025, around 11:00 am, in the Makun region of Ogun State," said CSP Odutola.
The accident took place on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, shortly before the Danco Fuel Station close to the Sagamu Junction on the route heading towards Ibadan. The Lexus sports utility vehicle carrying Anthony Joshua was engaged in an event under investigation. He was sitting in the back seat, suffered slight injuries, and is getting medical care.
Unfortunately, two additional travelers died at the location. The victims have been taken to the Livewell Hospital mortuary in Sagamu. The Ogun State Police Command offers sincere sympathies to the relatives of the departed and confirms that a comprehensive inquiry has begun.
A shared announcement from the Ogun and Lagos State authorities revealed that Governors Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu went to visit Joshua at the medical facility and spent multiple hours there to confirm that his health status was secure.
A declaration, authored by Mr. Kayode Akinmade, Special Advisor on Communication and Strategy to Governor Abiodun, along with Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Minister of Information, included a quote from Abiodun:
Immediately after being notified, I went directly to the hospital and was subsequently accompanied by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Both of us managed the circumstances, supervised Anthony Joshua's treatment, and stayed at the hospital for more than seven hours.
Additional high-ranking officials who came to visit the hospital were the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was informed and subsequently contacted Joshua, his mother, and Governor Abiodun, expressing his condolences.
Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission, Mr Simon Field, had discussions with Joshua and the governors, as the relatives of the deceased were reached out to via the High Commission.
The event, which took place on Monday, December 29, has been referred to as "another accident too many," overshadowing the holiday season and bringing sorrow upon the Sagamu area, especially affecting Joshua's family.
In conversation with our reporter, boxers' uncle, Mr. Adedamola Joshua, aged 75, mentioned that the family was still struggling to come to terms with the surprise.
Anthony Joshua's tragic accident has left the family devastated and shocked," he stated. "This wasn’t the first, second, or third time he was returning home, so what happened? Why did it occur now? He had only arrived six hours ago, excited to visit his family in Sagamu, yet everything ended up like this. He could have spent time with prominent Nigerians, but he chose to go directly to Sagamu, and then this disaster took place.
Speaking about Joshua, widely referred to as AJ, the former structural engineer remarked, "He is modest and approachable, allowing neither his international fame nor reputation to change who he is. Anthony Joshua continues to show respect to older individuals. He interacts well with others; however, certain local residents might find it challenging to comprehend him due to his pronounced British accent. He has consistently stood out, carrying the family legacy around the globe while staying grounded despite being honored as a member of the British Empire. This incident represents a great loss, particularly considering the passing of those two young men. Nobody anticipated this outcome. It’s deeply heartbreaking that it occurred just when he was returning home to rediscover his heritage."
During his regular trips to Sagamu, Adedamola stated: "He has consistently come back during holidays to be with his relatives. There's nothing out of the ordinary here; both his parents hail from Sagamu."
Nevertheless, he criticized the immediate reaction, finding it alarming to witness Joshua crossing the central divider following the accident rather than receiving appropriate evacuation.
"I am critical of the indifferent approach taken by our government during crises. A person suffering from trauma needs immediate evacuation. Had this occurred overseas, a helicopter would have been there within minutes. Disturbing images are currently being shared online. The government ought to increase ambulance availability on that section of the road," Adedamola stated.
He additionally criticized the actions of certain witnesses, stating, "Rather than offering assistance, individuals were filming footage, and some even took belongings from those involved in the incident. We even learned that Joshua's mobile device had been taken. Such behaviors should be prevented, and emergency personnel must respond quickly and secure the area around the accident."
Adedamola advocated for increased public awareness regarding emergency situations.
"Nigerians should be aware of emergency contact numbers and dial them right away in case of accidents, fires, or other crises. Promoting safety consciousness and national pride are principles everyone needs to adopt," he further stated.
Considering the family's feelings, the boxer's uncle stated, "The accident overshadowed our festivities. How can one rejoice when their child is hospitalized and two companions, who had come to join him for the holiday, were removed in coffins? This has deeply affected the Joshua family. Ever since our great-grandfather, Chief Adebambo Joshua, died in 1964, we've never experienced such sorrow."
He mentioned that the family felt relief upon learning Joshua had been released, yet they continued to grieve for two individuals who played a major role in his professional journey.
"The Joshua family, both at home and overseas, deeply mourns alongside the families of Sina Ghami and Ayodele Kelvin Lateef during this difficult time. We ask the Lord to offer solace to all and provide everlasting peace for the souls of our fallen brethren," Adedamola stated.
If questioned about whether Joshua could feel reluctant to return home later, he mentioned it was feasible but highlighted that the family would keep supporting him through prayer.
The leader of Remo Land and head chief of Akarigbo, Otunba Bayo Onafuwa, called the incident heartbreaking and a significant setback for the Sagamu area. He offered condolences to the relatives of Joshua's companions and asked for strength to cope with this irreversible tragedy, also stating his belief that Joshua's professional path would remain unaffected:
"Our God is amazing. We truly feel that Anthony Joshua will come back more powerful after this ordeal," he stated.
The Ogun State Division of the Federal Road Safety Corps, via spokesman Mr Afolabi Odunsi-Oyewole, refuted allegations of slow emergency action, asserting that the organization reached the scene shortly after and promptly began recovery efforts.
He highlighted shared accountability during his journey.
If Anthony Joshua had warned the driver about dangerous driving, the accident could have been prevented or made less serious. Passengers have an obligation to alert drivers. The FRSC will keep up with enforcement and awareness campaigns to decrease road accidents.
In the meantime, the Ogun State Police Command presented the operator of the Lexus SUV, Kayode Adeniyi, aged 46, before the Sagamu Magistrate’s Court. He faced charges including careless and hazardous driving, operating a vehicle without a legitimate national driver's license, and failing to exercise proper caution, which led to physical injury, fatalities, and destruction of property.
He received bail worth N5 million along with two guarantors and was sent back to jail until the bail requirements were met.
The leading judge, Ms. Jumoke Somefun, postponed the case until January 20, 2026, for the trial.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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