The Ogun State Government has confirmed that the two people who died in the road accident involving former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, were foreign nationals. The tragic incident happened on Monday along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s most important highways.
The accident occurred in front of Sinoma, before Danco, a known area along the expressway. The Lagos–Ibadan road is a major route that connects Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, with several South-West states and other parts of the country. The road is often busy with heavy traffic, including trucks, private vehicles, and commercial buses.
The confirmation was made by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Ogun State Governor, Mr Kayode Akinmade. He disclosed the details in a statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
According to the statement, preliminary reports from security agencies and emergency responders showed that the two victims were adult male foreign nationals. They were confirmed dead at the scene of the accident.
“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 said.
The accident reportedly happened at about 11:00 am. Anthony Joshua was said to be travelling from Lagos to Sagamu in a Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with registration number KRD 850 HN. The vehicle was part of a convoy and crashed into a stationary vehicle along the road.
Anthony Joshua, who is one of the most famous Nigerian-born sports personalities in the world, was injured in the crash. He was immediately rescued by security personnel attached to his convoy. The driver of the vehicle also sustained injuries.
Both Joshua and the driver were taken to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. The Ogun State Government did not disclose the extent of Joshua’s injuries but confirmed that he is under medical care.
“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 statement added.
The Ogun State Government expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the accident. It described the incident as a devastating tragedy and offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
“Our hearts go out to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident, which the State considers a devastating loss,” the statement read.
“As we mourn collectively, we pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the speedy recovery of the injured. May Almighty God grant the families left behind the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Anthony Joshua, popularly known as AJ, is a former two-time unified heavyweight world champion. He was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents and has always identified strongly with his Nigerian roots. Over the years, he has remained a popular figure in Nigeria, where he commands a large following among sports fans and young people.
Joshua has visited Nigeria several times, often drawing attention wherever he goes. His presence in the country usually attracts large crowds and heavy security due to his global fame. News of the accident quickly spread across social media and news platforms, causing concern among his fans in Nigeria and abroad.
Road accidents are common on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, despite ongoing rehabilitation work by the Federal Government. The road has long been known for heavy traffic, speeding, and accidents involving both moving and stationary vehicles.
In recent years, the government has repeatedly warned drivers to obey traffic rules, avoid speeding, and ensure that broken-down vehicles are properly marked to prevent crashes. However, accidents continue to occur, often leading to loss of lives and injuries.
Emergency response in the area is usually handled by a combination of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the police, and other security agencies. In this case, security personnel attached to Joshua’s convoy were among the first responders, ensuring quick rescue of the injured.
As of the time of this report, the identities and nationalities of the two foreign nationals who died in the accident had not been officially released. Authorities are expected to notify their families and embassies through the appropriate channels.
The Ogun State Government has not indicated whether further investigations will be carried out to determine the exact cause of the accident. However, such incidents are usually investigated by the police and road safety officials to establish factors such as speed, road condition, and visibility.
The tragic crash has once again drawn attention to the need for improved road safety measures on major highways across the country. Many Nigerians have called for better enforcement of traffic laws, improved road signs, and faster emergency response to reduce deaths from road accidents.
As Nigerians mourn the lives lost in the crash, many have also taken to social media to pray for the quick recovery of the injured and to urge all road users to exercise caution while travelling, especially on busy highways like the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.