FRSC Blames Speeding, Wrongful Overtaking For Anthony Joshua Crash

…Two dead; Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Ogun Govt express condolences

By Peter Salami
A tragic road accident involving world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua on the Lagos–Shagamu section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway yesterday claimed two lives and left the boxer with minor injuries, triggering nationwide concern and official reactions from federal and state authorities.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that the crash occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, around the Sinoma/Makun axis near Sagamu in Ogun State. According to the Corps, the accident was caused by excessive speed and wrongful overtaking.

In a statement signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC said the incident involved a black Lexus Jeep conveying Joshua and members of his team and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck parked along the roadside.

Five adult males were involved in the crash. Two persons died instantly, one sustained injuries, while two others, including Anthony Joshua, escaped with minor injuries. FRSC operatives arrived at the scene within three minutes of receiving a distress call and carried out rescue operations, evacuation, and traffic control. The injured victim was taken to hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Livewell Morgue in Sagamu. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division has commenced full investigation.

Preliminary findings by the FRSC indicated that the Lexus Jeep was travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit and lost control while attempting to overtake, resulting in a collision with the stationary truck. The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Joshua a speedy recovery, while warning motorists against speeding and dangerous overtaking, particularly on high-speed corridors during the festive season.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed the incident, describing it as tragic and painful. He disclosed that the vehicle conveying Joshua’s four-man team collided with a stationary truck, leading to the loss of two lives. He said Joshua and one other passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos, where doctors confirmed that both patients were stable and did not require emergency intervention.

Sanwo-Olu added that Joshua was conscious and relating well with his family, assuring that the governments of Lagos and Ogun states were jointly monitoring the situation to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care. He appealed to the public to respect the privacy of the boxer and his family during the difficult period.

The Ogun State Government also confirmed the accident and disclosed that the two persons who died were male foreign nationals. In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the state government said Joshua and three others were travelling from Lagos to Sagamu when the crash occurred. It described the incident as deeply unfortunate and extended condolences to the families, friends, and associates of the victims.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu equally expressed sympathy with Anthony Joshua and the families of the deceased, describing the incident as a tragic loss. In a statement, the President said the accident had cast a shadow over the season and praised Joshua for his contributions to sports and his representation of Nigeria on the global stage. He prayed for the boxer’s speedy recovery and for the repose of the souls of the departed.