Reasons for Anthony Joshua's auto accident on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway that claimed two lives - FRSC

By Ade Ade

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has attributed the road traffic crash involving former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said the crash occurred on December 29, 2025, around the Sinoma area near Sagamu on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

According to the FRSC, the accident involved a black Lexus Jeep conveying Joshua and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck parked by the roadside. Five adult males were involved in the crash, with two losing their lives on the spot, one sustaining injuries, while two others escaped unhurt.

“The incident involved a Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN and a stationary red Sinotruck. Two persons sadly lost their lives, one was injured, and two escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries,” the statement read.

Ogungbemide disclosed that FRSC operatives arrived at the scene within three minutes of receiving the distress call, enabling a swift rescue operation, evacuation of victims, and traffic control.

He added that the injured victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu.

The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division has also been notified for further investigation.

“Preliminary findings revealed that the Lexus Jeep was travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit and lost control while attempting a wrongful overtaking manoeuvre, leading to the collision,” the FRSC stated, identifying excessive speed and dangerous overtaking as the primary causes of the crash.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Joshua a speedy recovery.

He warned motorists against speeding and reckless overtaking, especially on high-speed corridors such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, stressing that “strict adherence to traffic regulations is crucial, particularly during the festive season when traffic volume increases.”

Reacting to the incident, a member of Anthony Joshua’s family described the crash as shocking. “The news has come to the family as a shock,” the relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

"We are hoping for his speedy recovery, and for the people who passed away, I pray that their souls rest in peace," he added.

The family member stressed that Joshua was travelling from Lagos to the family home for the New Year celebrations. “He normally comes around this time. We hadn’t seen him yet, so we were expecting him,” the relative said.

The Ogun State Police Command also confirmed the incident. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP Oluseyi Bassey, said the crash occurred near a Danco petrol station close to the Sagamu Interchange.

“Anthony Joshua, who was seated at the rear of the Lexus SUV, sustained only minor injuries and received first aid at the scene,” Bassey assured.