By AAyomide Otitoju
Internationally acclaimed boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a road accident on Monday morning in the Makun area of Ogun State, along the heavily trafficked Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed two lives.
The crash occurred around 11:00 a.m., just eight days after the 35-year-old former heavyweight world champion defeated YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a Netflix-backed bout in Miami. A video of the incident showed Joshua being rescued from the wrecked vehicle, appearing to have sustained minor injuries.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the accident in a statement signed by Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide. According to the FRSC, the crash involved a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and a stationary truck.
“The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN (private) and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck with an unknown registration number. A total of five adult males were involved. Two persons sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries. The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu,” the FRSC statement said.
The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) has been notified for further investigation and documentation. Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, suspected of exceeding the speed limit, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and collided with the stationary truck.
“The primary causes of the crash—excessive speed and wrongful overtaking—are serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the FRSC said.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Anthony Joshua a speedy recovery. The FRSC also reiterated its warning to motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking, excessive speed, and disregard for traffic regulations, particularly on high-speed corridors such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Motorists were urged to exercise patience, maintain lane discipline, and prioritise safety, especially during the festive travel period.
