The Ogun State Police Command has arrested the driver involved in the fatal crash that carried former world boxing champion Anthony Joshua and two of his close friends along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday. The incident occurred around Danco and left two passengers dead, sparking widespread concern across the country. According to police sources and Joshua’s family, the driver has been identified as 47-year-old Kayode Adeniyi, a long-time member of Joshua’s Nigerian logistics team who has been responsible for coordinating transport arrangements for the boxer whenever he visits the country. The arrest underscores ongoing efforts by the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.
Sources familiar with the family confirmed that Adeniyi had been a trusted figure in Joshua’s logistics network for years, highlighting his longstanding involvement in ensuring the safety and coordination of the champion’s travel in Nigeria. “Kayode Adeniyi, 47, is a long-time member of Joshua’s Nigerian logistics team,” a police source told journalists on condition of anonymity. Another source close to the family added that the driver is Nigerian and had been in a coma shortly after the crash, emphasizing the suddenness and severity of the incident. The incident has raised questions about road safety on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the measures in place for high-profile travelers in the country.
The tragic crash occurred on Monday at approximately 11 a.m. when the Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and his companions collided with a stationary truck on the expressway. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as emergency responders rushed to the site, while the police quickly cordoned off the area to manage traffic and initiate their investigation. The vehicle, registered KRD 850 HN, was severely damaged in the collision, illustrating the violent impact of the accident. Joshua and his companions were immediately transported to Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, for urgent medical attention, with reports indicating that the driver and the other passengers sustained serious injuries.
Two of the SUV’s occupants, identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, a 36-year-old Nigerian/British citizen, and Gami Sina, a 36-year-old British national, tragically lost their lives in the accident. Their deaths have prompted an outpouring of condolences from family, friends, and fans, with many highlighting the suddenness and painful nature of the loss. Authorities confirmed that arrangements were underway for the repatriation of the deceased’s bodies, while Joshua and his mother visited the funeral home in Lagos on Wednesday to pay their final respects. The tragic loss of the two passengers has cast a somber tone over the celebratory atmosphere often associated with the boxing champion’s homecoming.
Following the accident, Anthony Joshua received medical care at Lagoon Hospital, where doctors provided immediate attention for his injuries. After thorough examinations and continuous monitoring, the Lagos and Ogun state governments announced his discharge on Wednesday, confirming that he was clinically fit to continue recuperation at home. The joint statement, issued by Mr. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, highlighted the collaborative effort between the two state governments in ensuring the boxer’s safe recovery.
The joint statement further expressed profound sympathy to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as “painful and deeply unfortunate.” Both state governments prayed that Almighty God would grant the departed souls eternal rest and provide their families and loved ones with the strength to bear the irreparable loss. The statement also acknowledged the role of medical personnel at Lagoon Hospital, commending their professionalism, dedication, and quality of care in attending to Joshua and the other injured individuals. The acknowledgment underscores the critical importance of rapid medical intervention in minimizing further casualties in such accidents.
In confirming the arrest, Ogun State Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi informed journalists in a brief statement that Kayode Adeniyi is currently in police custody, with investigations ongoing. “The driver of the Lexus SUV in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident case is currently in custody. Investigations are ongoing,” Babaseyi said, without revealing additional details. The police are expected to examine all aspects of the crash, including vehicle condition, road safety compliance, and potential human errors, to determine the precise causes of the tragedy.
Reactions from the public and fans have highlighted a mixture of relief at Joshua’s recovery and mourning for the lives lost. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support for the boxing champion, with many emphasizing the importance of road safety for all travelers. Analysts and commentators have noted that the accident brings renewed attention to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which has a history of traffic incidents, underscoring the need for stricter regulations and safer driving practices along Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.
Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State expressed their gratitude to members of the public for their overwhelming concern, prayers, and support during the aftermath of the crash. They also extended appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his involvement and fatherly support throughout the period, reflecting the national attention the incident has drawn. The governors’ remarks, included in the joint statement, reinforced the collaborative approach taken by both states in managing the situation and ensuring Joshua’s safe recovery.
As investigations continue, authorities have emphasized that the priority remains determining the factors that contributed to the crash, holding responsible parties accountable, and preventing similar tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, arrangements for the repatriation of the deceased’s bodies are ongoing, while Joshua continues his recuperation under medical supervision at home.