The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the driver of the Lexus SUV conveying world boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, and two of his close friends before it crashed along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday.
The command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that investigations into the accident were ongoing.
“The driver of the Lexus SUV in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident case is currently in custody. Investigations are ongoing,” the statement read in part.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the accident occurred on Monday at about 11 a.m. around Danco axis of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, when the Lexus SUV, with registration number KRD 850 HN, reportedly collided with a stationary truck.
The crash claimed the lives of two occupants of the vehicle, identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu (36), a Nigerian–British citizen, and Ghami Sina (36), a British national.
Meanwhile, the Lagos and Ogun State governments had announced the discharge of Anthony Joshua from the hospital following the tragic incident.
This was disclosed in a joint statement on Wednesday, signed by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Ogun State Governor, Mr Kayode Akinmade, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotosho.
According to the statement, Joshua was discharged from Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, late Wednesday after doctors confirmed that he was clinically fit to continue his recuperation from home.
The statement further revealed that Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos on Wednesday to pay their final respects to the deceased, whose bodies were being prepared for repatriation later that evening.
In an emotional note shared through his team, Joshua described the tragedy as “a heartbreak beyond words”, adding that Ayodele and Ghami were “brothers who gave everything to the sport and to me personally.”
The two state governments once again commiserated with the families of the victims, describing the incident as painful and deeply unfortunate, while praying for God to grant the departed eternal rest and comfort to their loved ones.
Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State also expressed appreciation to members of the public for the overwhelming support, prayers and goodwill shown since the accident.
They equally thanked President Bola Tinubu for his “fatherly support” during the period and commended the doctors and medical personnel at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, for their professionalism and quality of care.
