The governments of Ogun and Lagos states have confirmed that heavyweight world boxing champion Anthony Joshua and another passenger involved in Monday’s road accident are in stable condition following detailed medical evaluations at a Lagos hospital.
This assurance was given in a joint statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinlade, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso.
According to the statement, the victims were swiftly moved to a specialised medical facility in Lagos after the crash.
“They were immediately evacuated to a specialized medical facility in Lagos. Following comprehensive clinical assessments, doctors have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency medical intervention at this time. A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely,” the statement said.
The statement further confirmed that “The Governments of Ogun and Lagos states wish to confirm that British-Nigerian two-time unified world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a road traffic accident earlier today along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.”
The vehicle, which reportedly carried four occupants, including the 35-year-old boxing star, was said to have rammed into a stationary truck, an impact that tragically resulted in the death of two people.
Expressing sympathy, the two state governments said, “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and pray that Almighty God grants them the strength to bear this difficult loss.”
They also disclosed that Joshua remained conscious after the crash and had been able to speak with members of his family.
“The Governments of Ogun and Lagos states are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that the affected persons receive the best possible medical care. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident have also commenced,” the statement added, while appealing to the public to respect the privacy of Joshua and his family.
The accident occurred in the Makun area of Ogun State at about 11:00 am along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and involved the SUV conveying the former world champion, colliding with a parked truck. Video footage circulating online showed Joshua being pulled from the wreckage, visibly injured.
The incident came just eight days after Joshua knocked out YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a Netflix-backed bout held in Miami.
Providing further insight, the Federal Road Safety Corps attributed the crash to traffic violations, including speeding and dangerous overtaking. According to the Corps, preliminary investigations revealed that the Lexus Jeep was suspected to have exceeded the approved speed limit before losing control during an overtaking attempt and crashing into a stationary truck parked by the roadside.
“The primary causes of the crash, being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” FRSC stated.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the accident and wished Anthony Joshua a speedy recovery.
What you should know
Anthony Joshua is one of Nigeria’s most globally recognised sports figures and a former unified heavyweight boxing champion. His involvement in a fatal road accident sparked widespread concern across the country and beyond.
While he survived with injuries, the loss of two lives has drawn renewed attention to road safety on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest highways. Authorities have reiterated the dangers of overspeeding and unsafe overtaking, stressing that such violations remain a major cause of fatal crashes nationwide.
Investigations are ongoing as the public awaits further official findings.
