Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital after receiving treatment for injuries sustained in a fatal road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The accident, which occurred on December 29, 2025, claimed the lives of two of his close associates, Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami.
According to a joint statement by the governments of Lagos and Ogun states, Mr. Joshua was discharged in the afternoon after doctors certified him clinically fit to continue his recovery from home. The statement expressed condolences to the families of the victims and acknowledged the public’s concern and sympathy following the incident.
The accident involved a Lexus Jeep conveying Mr. Joshua and a stationary commercial truck near the Sinoma area close to Sagamu in Ogun State. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attributed the crash to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, which are leading causes of fatal road accidents on Nigerian highways. Five adult males were involved in the accident, with two fatalities recorded, one person injured, and two others escaping unhurt.
Mr. Joshua, a Nigerian-born British boxer and former unified heavyweight world champion, has received widespread support since news of the crash broke. President Bola Tinubu spoke with the boxer and his mother by telephone, offering condolences and assurances of support, while Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun visited him in hospital.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of Nigeria’s busiest highways and has witnessed frequent crashes, particularly during festive periods. Despite repeated warnings from road safety authorities on speeding and reckless driving, the expressway remains a concern for safety.
The governments of Lagos and Ogun states commended the medical team at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, where Mr. Joshua and other injured victims were treated, praising the quality of care and professionalism displayed. The statement also appreciated the role played by President Tinubu, thanking him for his fatherly support throughout the period.
As Mr. Joshua continues his recovery, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for caution on Nigerian highways. The Lagos and Ogun state governments have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of road users and preventing such accidents in the future.