THE family of world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has expressed deep concern over their inability to gain access to the boxer following the fatal road accident that occurred on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which claimed the lives of two of his close associates.
News Point Nigeria reports that speaking to journalists on Tuesday at the family residence in Ijokun, Sagamu, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, described the incident as a “rude shock” and said the family was distressed by the lack of direct information and access to the boxer.
According to him, the family only became aware of the accident after receiving multiple phone calls from friends and well-wishers seeking confirmation of the reports circulating in the media.
“Sincerely, the news that our son, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a fatal crash came to us as a rude shock,” he said. “We did not get to hear this terrible news on time. Calls started coming in from people asking questions, and that was how we realised something serious had happened.
“Anthony usually comes home three or four times a year, especially during festive periods, and those moments are always joyful for us. This incident was completely unexpected.”
Joshua’s uncle disclosed that although the family has been in contact with the boxer’s parents—who are also currently in Nigeria—they have not been permitted to see him at the medical facility where he is receiving treatment. The location of the hospital remains undisclosed.
“We are all eager to see him, even if it is just three of us,” he said. “But we understand the need to protect him, considering his global status. Still, we hope access will be granted soon so the family can be reassured.”
The tragic crash claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close friends and team members—Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, 36, a British national.
Expressing sorrow over their deaths, Joshua’s uncle extended condolences to the bereaved families.
“We are deeply saddened that two people who were very close to Anthony did not survive. Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones. We pray that God grants them the strength to endure this painful loss,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said it is awaiting the outcome of a full technical investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
FRSC spokesperson Mr. Olusegun Ogungbemide confirmed that the accident occurred around 12 noon near the Sinoma axis of Sagamu and involved a black Lexus SUV (registration number KRD 850 HN), which collided with a stationary truck.
“When you look at the impact of that crash, it is evident that the vehicle was likely exceeding the speed limit,” Ogungbemide said. “Although there was no speed-measuring device at the precise point of impact, trained officers can deduce probable speed from the level of damage and force involved. Only a full technical investigation will establish the exact cause.”
He added that five adult males were involved in the crash, two of whom died instantly, while emergency responders arrived at the scene within three minutes.
The incident has continued to draw reactions from political leaders, youth groups, and public figures across the country.
Former Ogun State PDP governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, described the accident as a “painful and sobering tragedy”, noting that it had cast a shadow over the festive season.
“Anthony Joshua remains a symbol of courage, discipline, resilience, and national pride,” Adebutu said. “My thoughts and prayers are with him, the bereaved families, and all those affected by this unfortunate incident.”
The Sagamu Youth Association also expressed deep sorrow, offering prayers for Joshua’s recovery and comfort for the families of the deceased.
“Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and loved ones of the departed during this moment of immeasurable grief,” said the association’s Public Relations Officer, Olakunle Popoola.
Similarly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, described the crash as “heart-wrenching and unacceptable,” using the tragedy to draw attention to Nigeria’s persistent road safety challenges.
“Losing two close friends in such a tragic manner is devastating,” she said. “I pray God grants Anthony Joshua strength and comfort, and that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
She urged the Federal Government to establish well-equipped highway rest stations and a dedicated emergency rescue system to reduce fatalities on major roads.
In the aftermath of the crash, the Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission, Simon Field, visited Joshua at the Lagos hospital, while Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu were also reported to have monitored his condition.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was briefed on the incident and spoke separately with Anthony Joshua and his mother to convey his condolences and wishes for a speedy recovery.