The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that the driver of the Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) involved in the fatal accident that claimed the lives of two associates of British-Nigerian boxing star, Anthony Joshua, is now in police custody.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this on Thursday, saying the driver was taken into custody after being discharged from hospital, as investigations into the incident continue.
The accident occurred on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Makun, when the Lexus SUV conveying Joshua collided with a stationary truck.
Two occupants of the vehicle—Latif “Latz” Ayodele, Joshua’s personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach—both in their mid-30s, died instantly at the scene.
Joshua and other occupants survived the crash, with the former world heavyweight champion sustaining minor injuries. He was treated at Duchess International Hospital, Lagos, and later discharged.
Eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports by traffic officials indicated that the vehicle was allegedly travelling above the speed limit and attempting to overtake another vehicle before crashing into the parked truck.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) also attributed the accident to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, describing the incident as another reminder of the dangers associated with reckless driving on major highways.
Police sources said the driver, who was earlier hospitalised, has now been taken in for questioning and is expected to give a detailed statement to investigators.
They added that relevant authorities are reviewing the findings of the investigation to determine possible charges, including offences related to dangerous and reckless driving under Nigerian law.
Joshua was later seen at a funeral home in Lagos, accompanied by his mother, to pay last respects to the deceased before arrangements were made for their repatriation.
The tragic incident has again drawn attention to the persistent challenge of road safety on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.
Security and road safety agencies have renewed calls for motorists to obey traffic rules and speed limits, stressing that stricter enforcement and responsible driving are essential to reducing road crashes and saving lives.
