World-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in a road accident today in Makun, Ogun State.
Eyewitnesses report that the incident occurred along a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway around past 11am on Monday.
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The vehicle carrying Joshua, a Lexus Jeep with the number plate, KRD 850 HN, reportedly collided with a stationary truck under circumstances that are still being investigated. A PUNCH staff member, Adeniyi Orojo, who witnessed the accident, told PUNCH Online that Joshua sustained minor injuries, saying that two people died on the spot.
Orojo, who stated that the accident happened just before the Danco Filling Station in Makun, before Sagamu Interchange inward Ibadan axis of the road.
He stated that two people died on the spot.
“It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash.
“Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles to assist. A few minutes after the crash, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived. The passenger beside the driver and the person beside Joshua died on the spot,” he said.
Joshua, born to British-Nigerian parents, attended a boarding school in Ikenne, just a few miles from where the crash occurred.
He recently faced YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami, knocking Paul out in the sixth round of their highly publicised bout on 19 December 2025. Joshua is expected to take on longtime rival Tyson Fury in 2026.
Fans have flooded social media with messages of concern, while local authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
Efforts to reach the TRACE Commandant, Akinbiyi Babatunde, on further updates about the crash were futile as calls placed to his line did not go through.
Police confirm
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said in a phone call that he would get back to our correspondent shortly.
“I’ve seen the videos too, but I will get back to you on it,” he said.
More updates on Joshua’s condition are expected shortly.
In a brief statement he later shared with our correspondent about 30 minutes later, he confirmed the crash, noting that “two died, while Joshua and one other have been hospitalised and are receiving treatment at a hospital that would not be disclosed.”
Meanwhile, in a statement he later shared on X, he wrote: “Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. The deceased have been conveyed to Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu.
“The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced.
“Further updates on the incident will be communicated as investigation progresses.”
FRSC reacts
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said preliminary investigations indicate that the Lexus Jeep, suspected of exceeding the legally prescribed speed limit, lost control while attempting an overtaking manoeuvre and collided with a stationary truck parked by the roadside.
“The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the FRSC stated.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured victim, Anthony Joshua, a speedy recovery.
The FRSC reiterated its warning to motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking, excessive speed, and disregard for traffic regulations, especially on high-speed corridors such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
It further urged drivers to exercise patience, maintain lane discipline, and prioritise safety over haste, particularly during the festive travel period.
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