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The driver of the crash that injured boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two of his friends has been charged with dangerous and reckless driving, police spokesman Oluseyi Babaseyi said in a statement Friday.
The vehicle carrying Joshua, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which connects Ogun State to Lagos.
The defendant was charged with four counts, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and driving without a valid national driving license.
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Anthony Joshua in the ring during Netflix advertising sponsorships at “Jake vs Joshua” at Kaseya Arena on December 19, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida. (John Parra/Getty Images for Netflix)
Three-time heavyweight champion Joshua was released from hospital on Wednesday after suffering minor injuries in the crash that raised questions about road safety in Nigeria. The boxer was released after being deemed clinically fit to recover at his home, authorities said.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu wrote on X that he sent his condolences to Joshua for the loss of his friends.
“I spoke with AJ to personally convey my condolences following the death of his two close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, in the recent accident,” he wrote in a message. “I wished him a full and speedy recovery and prayed with him. AJ assured me that he was receiving the best care possible.
“I also spoke with her mother and prayed for her. She deeply appreciated this call.”
Joshua was considered “stable” after the accident, according to Nigerian authorities. He suffered minor injuries and was otherwise “fine.”
British boxer Anthony Joshua gets into an emergency vehicle after being involved in a car accident, in which he suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital, according to police, in Ogun state, Nigeria, December 29, 2025, in this screenshot obtained from a video on social media. (Sodiq Ayo via REUTERS)
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Photos showed Joshua bruised and being removed from the vehicle he was in.
“The vehicle carrying Mr. Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident in circumstances which are currently under investigation. Joshua, seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical treatment along with another injured person,” the Ogun State Police said in an earlier statement.
A preliminary investigation determined that the vehicle “exceeded the legally prescribed speed limit in the corridor, lost control during an overtaking maneuver and collided with a stationary truck” at the side of the road, according to Federal Road Safety Corps spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide.
Joshua recently faced Jake Paul in a boxing match, knocking him out. Paul said he was praying for Joshua.
“Life is much more important than boxing. I pray for the lives lost, for AJ and for all those affected by today’s unfortunate accident,” he wrote on X.
Joshua is the son of British Nigerian parents. He spent time at a Nigerian boarding school when he was younger, but returned to Britain after his parents divorced.
Anthony Joshua during his fight against Jake Paul on December 19, 2025. (Reuters/Marco Bello/file photo)
Joshua is a three-time heavyweight champion. He has held the WBA Super Heavyweight Championship, the IBF Heavyweight Championship and the WBO Heavyweight Championship. He lost his titles to Alexander Ousyk back in September 2021.
