FAMILY SEEKS ACCESS TO ANTHONY JOSHUA AFTER LAGOS–IBADAN EXPRESSWAY CRASH KILLS TWO ASSOCIATES
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The family of world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has expressed deep concern over their inability to see the boxer following a tragic road accident that occurred on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday at the family residence in Ijokun, Sagamu, Joshua’s uncle, Mr. Adedamola Joshua, described the incident as a “rude shock,” saying the family only became aware of the crash after receiving multiple calls from friends and well-wishers seeking confirmation.
According to him, although the family has established contact with Joshua’s parents, who are also in Nigeria, they have not yet been granted access to visit the boxer at the undisclosed medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment.
He noted that the family understands the need for tight security around the boxer due to his global status but appealed for permission for at least a few family members to see him.
The crash, which occurred around noon near the Sinoma axis of Sagamu, claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close friends and team members—Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, 36, a British citizen.
Expressing grief over the deaths, Joshua’s uncle extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and comfort for them during the difficult period.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said it is awaiting the outcome of a full technical investigation into the accident. The Corps’ spokesperson, Mr. Olusegun Ogungbemide, disclosed that preliminary assessments pointed to excessive speed as a likely factor.
Ogungbemide explained that the crash involved a black Lexus SUV with registration number KRD 850 HN, which collided with a stationary truck. He added that although there was no speed-measuring device at the exact point of impact, the severity of the damage suggested the vehicle was likely travelling above the speed limit.
He further revealed that five adult males were involved in the accident, two of whom died instantly, while emergency responders arrived at the scene within three minutes.
The incident has continued to draw reactions from political leaders and community groups. Ogun State PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Oladipupo Adebutu, described the accident as a painful and sobering tragedy, while the Sagamu Youth Association offered prayers for Joshua’s speedy recovery and condolences to the families of the deceased.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central also described the crash as heart-wrenching, calling on the Federal Government to strengthen road safety infrastructure, including the establishment of highway rest stations and emergency rescue systems.
Following the accident, the Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission, Mr. Simon Field, paid a visit to Joshua at the Lagos hospital. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu were also said to be monitoring the boxer’s condition.
President Bola Tinubu was briefed on the incident and reportedly spoke with Joshua and his mother to convey his condolences.
As investigations continue, the family says it remains hopeful of seeing the boxer soon, while Nigerians and members of the global sporting community continue to pray for his recovery and for answers surrounding the fatal crash.
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