British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua, a former unified world heavyweight boxing titleholder and one of the most prominent figures in global professional boxing, has been discharged from hospital following a fatal road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest intercity highways connecting Lagos State and Ogun State in the country’s southwest.
The accident occurred at about 11:00 a.m. on Monday, 29 December 2025, and resulted in the deaths of two of Joshua’s close associates, Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami, while several other occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries of varying degrees.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, and jointly signed by Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial capital, and Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State Government, authorities from both states confirmed that Joshua was discharged from medical care late on Tuesday, 30 December 2025.
Okay News reports that the statement described the boxer as being emotionally devastated by the incident, noting that he was “heavy hearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends,” but was nonetheless “deemed clinically fit to recuperate from home” by attending doctors.
“The governments of Lagos and Ogun states once again commiserate with the families of the two young men, Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami, who tragically and unfortunately lost their lives in the road accident involving Anthony Joshua. We pray The Almighty grant the repose of their souls whilst granting their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear this very sad and painful loss,” the statement read.
The statement further disclosed that Joshua, accompanied by his mother, visited a funeral home in Lagos later that same day to pay final respects to the deceased, whose remains were being prepared for repatriation to their families.
Medical professionals at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, a private healthcare facility in Lagos State, were also commended for their response to the emergency.
“The team of doctors and medical personnel at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, who attended to Anthony and those that sustained injuries, displayed quality care and professionalism that is truly commendable,” the statement said.
Additionally, Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, expressed gratitude to members of the public and to Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the outpouring of concern, support, and goodwill messages received during the period following the accident.
Preliminary information from authorities indicated that the crash involved a Lexus sport utility vehicle conveying Joshua, which collided with a stationary truck along the expressway. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing, with officials urging patience and cooperation as inquiries continue.
