Ogun State Police have revealed that a tyre burst caused the fatal road crash involving British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua on Monday, appearing to contradict the Federal Road Safety Corps’ (FRSC) preliminary report blaming excessive speed and wrongful overtaking.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Sinoma, Sagamu, when the black Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and four others collided with a stationary red Sinotruck.
Joshua, a rear-seat passenger en route to his ancestral hometown, sustained minor injuries and was hospitalised for observation. Tragically, two close associates longtime strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Kevin “Latif” Ayodele died at the scene. Two others, including the driver, survived unhurt.
Ogun Police spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated in an interview with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on Tuesday that investigations pointed to a tyre burst as the primary cause.
This differs from the FRSC’s initial findings, which described the SUV as “travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit” and losing control “during an overtaking manoeuvre.” Some reports suggest the tyre burst may have resulted from excessive speed.
Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, confirmed the deaths of Ghami and Ayodele, describing them as “close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team.” President Bola Tinubu personally condoled Joshua, praying for his recovery and repose for the departed.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, notorious for accidents due to poorly parked trucks and speeding, continues to draw calls for improved enforcement and infrastructure.
Joshua, fresh from a knockout win over Jake Paul on December 19, was on holiday in Nigeria. He is reported to be stable and in contact with family.
Investigations by the police and the FRSC are ongoing to establish the exact sequence of events.
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