The driver of the vehicle carrying British boxing star Anthony Joshua in a fatal road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has been discharged from hospital and may face prosecution, Nigerian police said Wednesday, as investigations into the crash that killed two of the boxer’s close associates continue.
The driver, whose name has not been publicly released, was treated at Duchess International Hospital in Lagos for injuries sustained in the December 29 collision and later released after medical clearance, police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin told reporters. “Anthony Joshua’s driver has been discharged from the hospital and is currently giving his statement to investigators,” Hundeyin said.
Sources said the driver could be charged with reckless driving, a serious offence in Nigeria when it contributes to fatalities. Authorities from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported that preliminary findings pointed to excessive speed and dangerous overtaking before the SUV lost control, while a burst front tyre may also have contributed to the crash.
The crash, which occurred near Makun on the busy highway linking Lagos and Ibadan, killed two men riding in the same Lexus SUV as Joshua — his personal trainer, Kevin “Latif” Ayodele, and strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami — both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene, Matchroom Boxing confirmed. Joshua, 36, survived and remains in stable condition in hospital.
Hundeyin said investigators are also seeking the driver of a stationary truck involved in the collision, who reportedly fled the scene and is now wanted. “Preliminary reports indicate that there was overspeeding,” a TRACE official said, referring to the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency findings.
The reigning incident has captured international attention, not only because of Joshua’s global profile, but also due to the tragic loss of his close friends and team members. Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn paid tribute to the victims, saying “with the heaviest of hearts” he and the boxing community mourned their passing.
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances of the crash amid calls for improved road safety on one of Nigeria’s most trafficked and accident-prone highways.
