The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has blamed excessive speed and wrongful overtaking for a fatal motor crash involving a vehicle conveying world renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The governments of Ogun and Lagos States have confirmed that British-Nigerian two-time unified world heavyweight boxing champion Joshua was involved in a road traffic accident on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the two state governments said the vehicle conveying Joshua and three others collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the death of two occupants.
The governments expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as tragic and praying for strength for those affected by the loss.
According to the statement, Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos for treatment. Following comprehensive clinical assessments, medical officials confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require emergency medical intervention.
“A full medical team has been assembled and will continue to monitor them closely,” the statement said, adding that Joshua is conscious and has been in communication with his family.
The Ogun and Lagos State governments said they are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that all affected persons receive the best possible medical care.
The statement thanked members of the public for their concern and appealed for privacy for Joshua and his family at this time.
The joint statement was signed by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information to the Ogun State Government, and Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information, Lagos State.
The crash occurred on Monday around the Sinoma area near Sagamu in Ogun State, involving a Lexus Jeep conveying Joshua and a stationary truck, according to the Corps.
Confirming the incident in a statement, FRSC said, “The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) wishes to confirm a fatal road traffic crash that occurred today Monday, 29 December 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, around the Sinoma area near Sagamu, Ogun State, involving a Lexus Jeep conveying world renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, and a stationary truck.”
The Corps explained that preliminary reports from its Ogun Sector Command showed the crash occurred at about 1200HRS and was promptly reported, allowing operatives to respond swiftly.
According to FRSC, “FRSC operatives arrived at the scene within three (3) minutes of notification, enabling swift rescue operations, evacuation of victims, effective traffic control, and prevention of secondary crashes.”
The statement noted that 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, with five adult males involved.
FRSC disclosed that two persons lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt.
“Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries,” the Corps stated.
“The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) was also notified for further investigation and documentation,” the statement said.
Providing insight into the cause of the crash, FRSC said preliminary findings revealed that the Lexus Jeep was travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit.
“The Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well parked by the side of the road,” the statement said.
The Corps added that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking remain among the leading causes of fatal crashes on Nigerian highways.
Reacting to the incident, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, on behalf of the management and staff of FRSC, extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured victim a speedy recovery.
“The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed on behalf of the entire Management and staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured victim, Anthony Joshua a speedy recovery.”
FRSC also reiterated its warning to motorists against traffic violations, particularly on major highways.
“FRSC reiterates 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,” it said.
Motorists were urged to be patient, maintain lane discipline and prioritise safety over haste, especially during the festive travel period.
The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to safer roads, noting that it remains resolute in ensuring prompt emergency response and sustained public education aimed at reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities nationwide.
The statement was signed by Olusegun Ogungbemide, Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, Headquarters, Abuja.
