World heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, narrowly escaped death in a car crash that claimed two of his aides today in Makun, Ogun State, Nigeria.
According to an eyewitness, the incident occurred along a busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway around noon. The vehicle carrying Joshua, a Lexus Jeep with number plate, KRD 850 HN, reportedly collided with a stationary truck, leaving two people dead on the spot, and with Joshua sustaining minor injuries.
“Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them,” the eyewitness said, adding, “A few minutes after the crash, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived. The passenger beside the driver and the person beside Joshua died on the spot.”
Born to British-Nigerian parents, Joshua on December 19 faced YouTuber turned-boxer, Jake Paul in Miami, knocking out the latter in the sixth round of the bout. Joshua is expected to take on longtime rival, Tyson Fury in 2026.
In a statement posted on X, Ogun State Police Command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, wrote: “The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced. Further updates on the incident will be communicated as investigation progresses.”
On its part, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the Lexus Jeep, suspected of exceeding the legally prescribed speed limit, lost control while attempting an overtaking and collided with a stationary truck by the roadside.
“The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the FRSC stated.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Anthony Joshua a quick recovery.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State governor, Abiodun, has condoled with the families of the victims. A statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, reads: “The Ogun State Government has expressed profound condolences to the families, friends, and associates of the victims of a tragic road accident involving world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, who narrowly escaped death on Monday.
“The fatal accident occurred along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, within the Makun axis of Ogun State, and sadly claimed the lives of two persons. Preliminary reports indicate that two male foreign nationals died on the spot. Their remains have since been deposited at the Livewell Morgue in Sagamu.”
The statement further explained that Joshua and the driver of the vehicle survived the crash and were rescued promptly by security personnel attached to his convoy.
“Anthony Joshua and the driver of the vehicle were promptly rescued by security personnel attached to his convoy and taken to a hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention,” the state government said.
Describing the incident as “deeply unfortunate and painful,” the Ogun State Government urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly during the festive season when traffic volume is usually high.
“Motorists are therefore urged to exercise utmost caution and adhere strictly to traffic regulations,” the statement said, while also calling on road safety officers and security agencies to intensify surveillance across the state.
The government concluded by praying “for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the speedy recovery of the injured,” and asked God to grant the bereaved families “the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”