Driver Charged in Crash That Injured Boxer Anthony Joshua and Killed Two Friends in Nigeria
LAGOS, Nigeria — The driver involved in a tragic crash that injured British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and claimed the lives of two of his friends has been formally charged with dangerous and reckless driving, Nigerian authorities announced Friday. The incident occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a major artery linking Ogun State to Lagos, when the vehicle carrying Joshua, along with Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, collided with a stationary truck.
According to a statement from Ogun State Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi, the driver faces four counts: dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and operating a vehicle without a valid national driver’s license. The charges reflect the severity of the crash, which has sparked renewed concerns about road safety on Nigerian highways.
The Lexus SUV carrying the group was reportedly traveling above the legal speed limit when it lost control and struck the stationary truck. Joshua, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized but released earlier this week after being deemed clinically fit for home recovery. Authorities described his condition as stable.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences publicly on the social media platform X, stating, “I have spoken with AJ to personally convey my condolences over the passing of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami in the recent accident. I wished him a full and speedy recovery, and prayed with him. AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care.” The president also reached out to Joshua’s mother, who was reportedly deeply appreciative of the gesture.
The crash has drawn attention to the challenges of road safety enforcement in Nigeria. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of the busiest and most accident-prone corridors in the country, with frequent reports of speeding and inadequate traffic management. The incident underscores the ongoing efforts by Nigerian law enforcement agencies to crack down on dangerous driving practices.
Joshua, a three-time heavyweight boxing champion, was traveling with friends when the accident occurred. Photos shared on social media showed the boxer with visible bruises as emergency responders extricated him from the vehicle. The other injured passenger remains under medical care.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the driver’s actions and potential violations of traffic laws. The charges filed align with Nigeria’s road safety regulations, which are enforced by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The incident has also been covered extensively by international media, highlighting the global interest in Joshua’s well-being. For updates on road safety and traffic regulations, the Nigerian government’s official portal (Nigeria.gov.ng) provides resources and public advisories.
As the investigation proceeds, the case serves as a somber reminder of the risks posed by reckless driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States offers extensive research on the consequences of dangerous driving behaviors, which resonate universally.
Joshua’s recovery and the legal proceedings against the driver will be closely followed by fans and authorities alike, emphasizing the importance of accountability and road safety in Nigeria and beyond.
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