By Ibrahim Salaudeen, Lagos
Former world heavy weight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has been discharged from the hospital after a tragic accident that claimed the lives of two of his associates on Monday along Makun corridor of Lagos – Ibadan expressway.
The accident occurred when the driver of the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) conveying Anthony Joshua and three others rammed it into a stationary truck, wrecking a significant portion of it and resulting in the deaths of two foreign associates – trainers, of legendary boxer.
The boxer was rescued from the scene and evacuated to a health facility in Lagos State. He was however discharged after threw days on Wednesdays afternoon, December 31, 2025.
Confirming this in a joint statement early on New Year Day, Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos and Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser Information and Strategy, Ogun State, said Anthony Joshua left the hospital late afternoon on Wednesday “though heavy hearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends he was deemed clinical fit to recuperate from home.”
The statement read, “The governments of Lagos and Ogun states, once again, commiserate with the families of the two young men – Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami – who tragically and unfortunately lost their lives in the road accident involving Anthony Joshua on the 29th Dec 2025. We pray The Almighty grant the repose of their souls whilst granting their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear this very sad and painful loss .
“Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital late this afternoon though heavy hearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends he was deemed clinical fit to recuperate from home .
“Anthony and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their final respects to his two deported friends as they were being prepared for repatriation scheduled for later this evening .
“Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu deeply appreciate the public concern and show of love and affection over this very sad and unfortunate incident.
“They also appreciate Mr President. His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for all fatherly support he gave through out the process .
“We also want to appreciate the team of Doctors and medical personnel at the Lagoon Hospital Ikoyi that attended to Anthony and those that sustained injuries. The quality of care and professionalism is truly commendable.”
The Daily Crucible reports that the driver of the SUV has also been discharged from the hospital earlier.
It was gathered from sources close to Duchess International Hospital, Lagos where the former world champion recuperated from the injuries he sustained as a result of the accident.
The driver had given his statement and he could be prosecuted for reckless driving, following a visit to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) at the Sagamu interchange where the truck is packed.
“Anthony Joshua’s driver has been discharged from the hospital and he is currently giving his statement,” the spokesperson of the Nigerian Police Force, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, according to the Guardian.
Also, according to an FRSC official, the truck driver fled the scene immediately after the crash involving Joshua and he is now been declared wanted.
The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) had earlier claimed that preliminary investigations revealed a burst tyre precipitated the accident.
TRACE said that the front tyre on the passenger side of the SUV Joshua was travelling in burst, causing a loss of control before the vehicle collided with a stationary truck, according to AFP.
The AFP report quoted the TRACE spokesman Babatunde Akinbiyi as telling reporters that: “From the preliminary investigation that was conducted, definitely there was over speeding on the part of the SUV Anthony Joshua was travelling in. In the course of that, the front tyre on the passenger side burst. That led to loss of control before the vehicle now swerved and rammed into the stationary truck that was parked. There was excessive speed.”
… Adebutu sympathizes with boxing icon
Meanwhile, the 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon. (Dr) Oladipupo Adebutu, has expressed deep sympathy with the boxing icon and global sports ambassador, Anthony Joshua, following the accident which claimed two lives, left him injured and hospitalized for three days.
In a statement released by his media aide, Afolabi Orekoya, Adebutu described the incident as a painful and sobering as well as casting a shadow over the season, while also extending heartfelt condolences to the families of his two associates that lost their lives.
He noted that Anthony Joshua has remained a symbol of courage, discipline, resilience, and national pride, whose achievements continue to inspire millions of young Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
“This is a deeply distressing moment. My thoughts and prayers are with Anthony Joshua, the bereaved families, and all those affected by this unfortunate incident. In moments like this, we must stand together as one people, bound by compassion and a shared destiny,” Adebutu said.
While praying for Joshua’s speedy recovery, Adebutu also called for strength and comfort for the families mourning the loss of their loved ones, urging Nigerians to keep them in their prayers.
“May Almighty God grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed, comfort the bereaved, and grant Anthony Joshua healing, strength, and grace during this difficult period,” he concluded.
