Anthony Joshua Involved in Fatal Car Accident in Ogun, Nigeria – Two Dead, Boxer Stable

Two of Anthony Joshua’s close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, were killed in a serious road accident on Monday on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria, according to Matchroom Boxing. Joshua, the former world heavyweight champion, and the driver sustained minor injuries and were taken to a private hospital in Lagos, where both are reported to be stable. The crash has prompted immediate attention within Nigeria and abroad.

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The accident occurred near Makun, just before the Sagamu interchange, when the black Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his team collided with a stationary truck parked on the roadside. Preliminary reports indicate that road safety officials are investigating whether speed and an attempted overtaking manoeuvre were factors. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is frequently cited in federal safety reports for its high incidence of collisions, particularly during busy periods.

Five men were in the vehicle at the time. Ghami and Ayodele, described by Matchroom Boxing as close friends, were pronounced dead at the scene. Rescue teams transported their remains to the Livewell Morgue in Sagamu. Video footage from the crash circulated online, showing Joshua appearing shaken as responders helped him from the wrecked SUV, prompting renewed scrutiny over road safety on Nigeria’s busiest highways.

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The Ogun State Government offered condolences to the families of the deceased and described the crash as tragic and avoidable. Officials urged motorists to follow traffic regulations, especially regarding speeding and overtaking, while the Federal Road Safety Corps reiterated that such violations remain a leading cause of fatal accidents across the country.

Messages of support followed swiftly from the boxing community and public figures. President Bola Tinubu reportedly reached out to Joshua to offer sympathy to the families of the deceased and to wish the boxer a swift recovery.

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Joshua, 36, was in Nigeria following a December bout that attracted international attention. Born in the United Kingdom, he has strong ties to Ogun State, having spent part of his childhood in Ikenne and Sagamu. The crash has received significant attention within the state and beyond, highlighting the persistent dangers of Nigeria’s highways and the consequences of reckless driving.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and authorities have promised further updates once findings are verified. Meanwhile, public focus remains on accountability, road safety, and the families affected by a tragic accident that underscores the critical need for adherence to traffic regulations.