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Ogun Police Arrest Driver as Investigations Deepen into Fatal Lagos–Ibadan Expressway Crash Involving World Boxing Champion Anthony Joshua
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the driver of the Lexus SUV that was involved in the fatal road accident conveying world boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, and two of his close friends along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday at about 11:00 a.m. around the Danco axis of the ever-busy expressway and resulted in the loss of two lives.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed in an official statement made available to journalists that the driver of the vehicle is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
“The driver of the Lexus SUV in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident case is currently in custody. Investigations are ongoing,” the statement partly read.
Anthony Joshua, a globally celebrated heavyweight boxing champion, was said to be travelling with two close friends in a Lexus SUV with registration number KRD 850 HN when the vehicle reportedly collided with a stationary truck. The impact of the crash proved fatal for two occupants of the vehicle.
The deceased have been identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, aged 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, also aged 36, a British citizen. Both were described as close associates of the boxing icon.
Following the accident, Joshua was rushed to the hospital for medical attention, sparking widespread concern across Nigeria and beyond, given his global profile and connection to the country.
In a related development, the Lagos and Ogun State governments on Wednesday announced the discharge of Anthony Joshua from the hospital after doctors confirmed his stable condition. This was contained in a joint statement signed by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Mr Kayode Akinmade, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotosho.
According to the statement, Anthony Joshua was discharged from Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, late on Wednesday after medical professionals certified him clinically fit to continue his recovery from home.
The two state governments expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives, once again commiserating with the families of the deceased and describing the incident as painful and deeply unfortunate. They prayed that Almighty God would grant the souls of the departed eternal rest and give their families and loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The statement further revealed that Anthony Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos on Wednesday to pay their final respects to the late friends, whose bodies were being prepared for repatriation later that evening.
Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State also expressed profound appreciation to members of the public for the overwhelming concern, prayers, and show of love following the sad incident. They equally conveyed their gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for what they described as his fatherly support throughout the period.
The governments also commended the doctors and medical personnel at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, for their professionalism, dedication, and the quality of care provided to Anthony Joshua and other victims of the accident.
Meanwhile, police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing as authorities work to establish the cause of the accident and ensure accountability.