Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua, a British professional boxer of Nigerian heritage and former unified heavyweight title holder, has returned to the United Kingdom following a fatal road traffic accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of his close inner circle.
Okay News reports that the boxer flew back to the United Kingdom days after the tragic incident, which occurred on Monday, December 29, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest federal highways linking Lagos State to several southwestern states.
Joshua sustained minor injuries in the crash, which resulted in the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, both described as close friends and trusted team members of the boxer. He was treated at a medical facility in Nigeria and discharged on Wednesday, December 31, New Year’s Eve.
A report by the British Broadcasting Corporation, the United Kingdom’s public service broadcaster, confirmed on Saturday, January 3, that the 36-year-old athlete had since returned to his home country following the devastating loss.
“Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has flown back to the UK after a fatal car crash that killed two of his close friends in Nigeria,” the report stated.
Funeral arrangements for the deceased have since been concluded, with both Ghami and Ayodele scheduled to be laid to rest at the London Central Mosque, a major Islamic religious centre in the capital city of the United Kingdom, according to information provided by Sky Sports, a British sports broadcasting network.
Meanwhile, Nigerian law enforcement authorities have taken legal action against the driver involved in the accident. The Ogun State Police Command, the law enforcement agency responsible for policing Ogun State in southwestern Nigeria, confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, aged 46, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
Kayode was granted bail in the sum of ₦5,000,000 and subsequently remanded pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions. The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, January 20, for further proceedings.
The driver’s son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, aged 19, publicly defended his father, insisting that the fatal crash was the result of mechanical failure rather than reckless driving.
“Dad is not a fast driver; he was following the speed limit when the brakes failed,” Ifeoluwa told the Daily Mail. “He said he was pushing the pedal, but nothing was happening. He’s been driving for Anthony for three years; he’s a good driver. It’s not his fault. If the truck wasn’t parked there illegally, this wouldn’t have happened.”
Legal counsel to the accused driver, Olalekan Abiodun, further revealed that Joshua narrowly escaped death due to a last-minute change in seating position inside the vehicle.
“I understand that the journey started in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, and that initially Anthony had got into the front seat, but the driver asked him to swap seats,” Abiodun told the Daily Mail. “He did this because Anthony is a big fellow, and he couldn’t see the wing mirror properly, so he asked him to move, and he sat behind the driver. From what I understand, Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony.”
Joshua was travelling in a Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle when it collided with a stationary truck near Makun, a community close to Sagamu, a commercial town in Ogun State. He was reportedly en route to visit relatives in Sagamu for New Year celebrations at the time of the accident.
The fatal crash occurred barely ten days after Joshua recorded a high-profile knockout victory over Jake Paul, an American social media personality turned professional boxer, during a bout held in Miami, Florida, United States.
In response to the incident, Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, publicly expressed appreciation to Nigerians and members of the international community for their prayers and support. They also acknowledged the backing of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Both state governments extended condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as deeply painful and unfortunate, while offering prayers for the repose of their souls.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident remain ongoing.
