Horror crash: AJ rushed to Duchess Hospital, 2 aides dead

FORMER world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, narrowly avoided death in a horrific road accident that took place around the Sinoma/Makun area, near Sagamu, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
However, two foreign nationals, whose identities remain undisclosed, tragically lost their lives in the incident.

The accident occurred while the 36-year-old boxer and his companions, who had traveled with him from abroad, were on their way back to Shagamu from Lagos, shortly after Joshua had shared a post on his Instagram page, where he was seen engaging in a game of table tennis.

Multiple sources informed Vanguard that the former two-time unified WBO, IBF, and WBA heavyweight champion and his driver are currently receiving treatment at Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos.

It was also reported that a pioneering sports rehabilitation specialist and long-time friend of the former two-time heavyweight world champion, Sina ‘Evolve’ Ghami, was among the foreign nationals involved in the accident.

Ghami, recognized as a transformative figure in high-performance rehabilitation, was celebrated for his ability to bridge the gap between clinical recovery and peak athletic performance.

A childhood friend of the boxer, Ghami served as Joshua’s full-time sport and exercise rehabilitation coach for over a decade, playing an essential role in the boxer’s career.

He was a significant presence in Joshua’s corner during numerous landmark fights, most notably the historic 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium — a pivotal moment in modern heavyweight boxing.

Excessive speed and improper overtaking were cited as the causes of the crash — FRSC
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that Joshua sustained minor injuries, while two other passengers in the vehicle died at the scene.

According to the FRSC, one individual was injured, while two others emerged unscathed.

Preliminary investigations by the FRSC suggested that the Lexus SUV transporting Joshua was allegedly exceeding the legally mandated speed limit and lost control while attempting to overtake, ultimately colliding with a stationary truck.

“Excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were identified as the primary causes of the crash,” the FRSC said.

The Corps, however, insisted that it would not disclose the identities of the deceased because they were not Nigerians.

The Corps, in a statement by its Public Education Officer, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, said: “The incident involved a black Lexus SUV and a stationary red commercial Sinotruk. A total of five adult males were involved. Two people sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt.

Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.”

Ogungbemide, an Assistant Corps Marshal, stated that the accident was reported without delay, with FRSC personnel arriving at the location within three minutes. This prompt response facilitated rapid rescue efforts, victim evacuation, traffic management, and the prevention of subsequent accidents.

Ogungbemide further mentioned: “Joshua and the injured individual were transported by ambulance to a hospital in the direction of Lagos, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka in Sagamu. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division has been informed for further investigation.”

The Ogun Police Command also confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred around 11:00 am, just prior to Danco Filling Station, near the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound side of the expressway. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that Joshua, who was seated in the back of the Lexus SUV, suffered minor injuries and is currently receiving medical care.

Babaseyi remarked: “Unfortunately, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. The deceased have been transported to Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu. The Ogun State Police Command expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.”

Eyewitnesses initially thought it was a bomb blast — A roadside vendor, who claimed to have witnessed the crash, described the event as horrifying, stating that the impact was initially perceived as an explosion.

The eyewitness, who identified herself as Sibiat, recounted: “The sound from the impact startled everyone. Initially, we believed it was another bomb blast. Once we realized it was an accident, people rushed over. Some began recording the scene, while others opened the doors to see if they could assist anyone.”

In addition, she said: “One of the men who survived shouted that we should help the people in the next car, saying one of them was Anthony Joshua. Some people didn’t even know who he was until a man who stopped by said they were from the same Shagamu.”

According to the eyewitness, the two victims died instantly, while Joshua complained of pain in his leg as he was being rescued from the wreckage.

We pray for his recovery — Joshua’s family
The family of the former world heavyweight boxing champion, who also confirmed the incident, expressed shock over the development.

A relative of Anthony Joshua, who requested anonymity, told the BBC that: “The news of the crash came to the family as a shock. We are hoping for his speedy recovery. For those who have passed away, we pray that their souls rest in peace.

“He normally comes around for the New Year. We hadn’t seen him yet, so we were expecting him.”

Jake Paul goes spiritual, prays for boxer

Jake Paul has revealed he is ‘praying’ for former rival Anthony Joshua after the heavyweight boxer’s horrific car crash.

Paul and Joshua shared the ring just 10 days prior, in a blockbuster Netflix bout which saw the influence-turned-boxer suffer a knockout defeat in the sixth round.

There appeared to be no bad blood between the two camps after the fight and Paul showed that again as he spoke on Joshua’s car crash, just hours after it happened.

Taking to X, he wrote: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”

I spoke on phone with Anthony Joshua, mom —Tinubu
Following the tragic accident, President Bola Tinubu said he had a telephone cnoveration with Anthony Joshua and his mother.

The phone conversation was made public via a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

The statement quoted Tinubu as saying: “I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital.

“I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.
“Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention.”

It’s an unfortunate incident —Tinubu
Earlier, President Tinubu has sympathised with the former heavy weight boxing champion on the tragic accident along Lagos-Ibaday Expressway which claimed two lives.

President Tinubu, in a post in his official X account, said the road accident cast a deep shadow on the season.

The President also extended his sympathy to the family of Anthony Joshua as they bear the emotional weight of the unfortunate incident.

Tinubu wrote: “I extend my deep sympathies to you following the tragic accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed two precious lives and caused you injuries.

“This immense tragedy casts a deep shadow on this season.

“I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride.

“In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.
“I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.”

Incident deeply unfortunate— Ogun, Lagos govts
The Ogun and Lagos state governments, yesterday, said they have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash, just as they described it as unfortunate.

Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso and Ogun State, Special Adviser on Information, Kayode Akinmade, in a joint statement, said: “The vehicle conveying the team of four ran into a stationery truck resulting in two fatalities.

“We sympathise with the families of those involved in the accident, and pray that God will grant them the strength to go through this difficult time.

“Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised facility in Lagos.

“Doctors have conducted several clinical assessments and have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency interventions at this time.

“A compreh