By Ayomide Otitoju
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the fatal road accident that claimed the lives of two associates of former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, is currently in police custody.
The accident occurred on Monday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway while the vehicle was conveying Joshua and two of his friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. The Lexus SUV reportedly crashed into a stationary truck, killing Ayodele and Ghami on the spot. Joshua and the driver sustained minor injuries.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abeokuta, the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said investigations were ongoing to establish the immediate and remote causes of the crash, as well as the extent of the driver’s responsibility.
“The driver of the Lexus SUV is currently in custody in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident case. Investigations are ongoing,” Babaseyi stated.
Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital late on Wednesday after doctors confirmed he was clinically fit to continue his recovery at home.
The former boxing champion, accompanied by his mother, was reported to have visited a funeral home in Lagos on Wednesday to pay his last respects to Ayodele and Ghami, whose remains were being prepared for repatriation later that night.
Meanwhile, the Lagos and Ogun state governments have expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. In a joint statement 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 a painful loss.
“We pray the Almighty grants the repose of their souls and provides their families and loved ones with the fortitude to bear this very sad and painful loss,” the statement read.
The statement added that Governors Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu appreciated the public’s concern and support following the incident, and also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support throughout the process.
The governments further commended the medical team at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, for the care provided to Joshua and the other injured victims, describing their professionalism as commendable.
