The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the accident that claimed the lives of two associates of former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is currently in police custody.
The crash occurred on Monday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway while the driver was conveying Joshua and two of his friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. The Lexus SUV reportedly collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the deaths of Ayodele and Ghami at the scene. Joshua and the driver sustained minor injuries.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abeokuta, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the driver was being held as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“The driver of the Lexus SUV is currently in custody in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident case. Investigations are ongoing to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash,” Babaseyi said.
Joshua was discharged from the hospital late on Wednesday after doctors certified him clinically fit to continue his recovery at home.
On Thursday, the former world heavyweight champion, accompanied by his mother, reportedly visited a funeral home in Lagos to pay his final respects to Ayodele and Ghami. The bodies of the deceased were being prepared for repatriation later that night.
Meanwhile, the Lagos and Ogun state governments have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. In a joint statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the two governments described the incident as deeply tragic.
“We pray that the Almighty grants the repose of their souls and gives their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear this very painful loss,” the statement said.
The governors of Lagos and Ogun states, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun, also acknowledged the public’s concern and outpouring of sympathy following the incident. They further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, as well as to the medical team at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, for the care and professionalism shown in treating Joshua and the other injured victims.
