The Ogun State Police Command has taken the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the December 29, 2025 accident that injured British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua and claimed two lives into custody, as investigations continue.
Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed the development on January 1, 2026, stating that the driver of the Lexus SUV is currently in custody in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident case and that investigations are ongoing.
The crash occurred around 11 a.m. on Monday along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu in Ogun State. The black Lexus SUV, with registration number KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck after reportedly suffering a tyre burst due to excessive speed, according to preliminary findings by traffic authorities.
Joshua, 36, who was seated at the rear of the vehicle, was returning from a festive visit in Nigeria following his recent knockout victory over Jake Paul on December 19, 2025. He sustained minor injuries. The two fatalities were his close friends and team members: strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami (also known as Gami Sina) and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both British nationals of Nigerian descent.
A joint statement from the Lagos and Ogun State governments on December 31, 2025, announced that Joshua had been discharged from Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi after medical evaluations confirmed he was stable and fit to recuperate at home. The statement added that Joshua and his mother visited a Lagos funeral home that same day to pay their final respects as preparations were made to repatriate the bodies of his friends.
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State extended condolences to the bereaved families, describing the incident as painful and deeply unfortunate. They also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support, the medical staff for their care, and members of the public for their prayers.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a major route linking Nigeria’s commercial hub to other parts of the country, is known for frequent accidents, often blamed on speeding, poor road conditions, and heavy traffic, especially during holiday periods when many Nigerians return home.
Joshua, who is of Yoruba heritage, had arrived in Nigeria shortly before the incident to spend time with family in Ogun State. His promoter expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his team members and appealed for privacy for all those affected.
