Police Hunt for Driver in Fatal Crash Involving Anthony Joshua

Police have initiated a manhunt for the driver of a stationary truck involved in a tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of two friends of British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua. The incident occurred on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway, one of Nigeria’s most perilous routes, known for its high accident rates.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) indicate that the vehicle carrying Joshua was exceeding the speed limit and engaged in dangerous overtaking maneuvers. The investigation is also considering charges against the driver for dangerous or reckless driving leading to fatalities. An official from the FRSC disclosed that the truck driver fled the scene immediately after the crash and is now wanted by the police.

The crash claimed the lives of Kevin Ayodele, known as Latz, and Sina Ghami, both aged 36. They were long-time friends of Joshua and served as his personal trainer and sport and exercise rehabilitation coach, respectively. Joshua himself narrowly avoided serious injury, suffering only minor wounds.

According to Babatunde Akinbiyi, a spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, the preliminary findings confirm that the vehicle Joshua was in was speeding. “The front tire on the passenger side burst, leading to a loss of control before the vehicle swerved and collided with the stationary truck,” Akinbiyi stated.

Joshua was transported to the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, where he was reported to be in stable condition and did not require emergency treatment. The driver of Joshua’s vehicle, who was hired locally and is not one of Joshua’s close friends, was also taken to the hospital but has since been discharged and provided a statement to authorities.

The speed limit on that segment of the road is 50 miles per hour. Local reports suggest that the stretch connecting the cities of Ibadan and Lagos is notorious for severe accidents, underscoring the need for increased safety measures.

Joshua was in the back of a Lexus SUV at the time of the incident, accompanied by three other passengers, while his security team followed in a separate vehicle. The ongoing investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the crash and ensure accountability for those involved.