Anthony Joshua is continuing his recovery after being discharged from hospital in Nigeria, days after a tragic road collision claimed the lives of two members of his inner circle and sparked a growing police investigation into possible criminal negligence.
The former heavyweight world champion was injured when the vehicle transporting him collided with a stationary truck along the Lagos Ibadan Expressway. While Joshua survived with injuries described as minor, two passengers in the same vehicle died at the scene.
Boxer, Anthony Joshua, discharged from hospital days after fatal accident that claimed the lives of two of his friends pic.twitter.com/sds0NDEQ3S
— Pure Gossip9ja (@Puregossip9ja) January 1, 2026
Police Investigation Expands After Driver Statement
Nigerian authorities have confirmed that the hired driver operating Joshua’s vehicle has now been released from medical care and has provided an official statement to investigators. Law enforcement officials say potential charges remain under review.
“Anthony Joshua’s driver has been discharged from the hospital, and he is currently giving his statement,” Nigerian Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said.
Officials also confirmed that the driver of the parked truck involved in the crash fled the scene immediately after impact and is now being sought by authorities.
“He could be hit with reckless driving charges as a result of Monday’s incident,” TMZ reported.
“The driver of the truck that Joshua’s SUV smashed into fled the scene immediately after the crash and is now being hunted down by officials.”
Overspeeding and Tyre Failure Identified in Early Findings
Traffic authorities in Ogun State revealed that initial findings suggest excessive speed played a role in the fatal crash. Investigators also identified a mechanical failure moments before the collision.
“From the preliminary investigation that was conducted, definitely there was overspeeding on the part of the SUV Anthony Joshua was travelling in,” said Babatunde Akinbiyi of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency.
“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.”
Separate reporting from Nigerian outlets also cited tyre failure as a contributing factor.
“Preliminary investigations revealed a burst tyre was responsible for the accident in which two time heavyweight champion Joshua survived but lost two close associates,” The Guardian Nigeria reported.
Joshua Hospitalized Then Released Under Observation
Following the collision, Joshua was transported to Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, a private medical facility known for treating high profile patients. Local officials described his condition as stable throughout his stay.
Joshua was accompanied by family members during his hospitalization, including his mother, who traveled to be at his bedside after learning of the accident.
A representative for Joshua later confirmed both fatalities and addressed his condition in a formal statement.
“It is with the deepest and most profound sadness that we confirm, following a road traffic accident in Lagos, Nigeria earlier today, the death of Sina Ghami and Kevin ‘Lateef’ Ayodele,” the spokesperson said.
“Both were close friends and integral members of Anthony’s team.”
“Anthony sustained injuries in the accident and was taken to hospital for checks and treatment, he is in a stable condition and will remain there for observation.”
Joshua has since been released from hospital and is recovering privately. No further medical details have been made public.
🚨 Anthony Joshua has been released from the hospital following the car crash on Monday after being deemed clinically fit to recover from home
“Anthony and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their final respects to his two departed friends.” 💔… pic.twitter.com/zPCTQHJBwY
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 1, 2026
Witnesses Describe Immediate Aftermath
Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene as bystanders rushed to assist victims before emergency services arrived.
“It was a two vehicle convoy a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV,” a witness told Punch newspaper.
“Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed.”
“Other eyewitnesses and I began the rescue and flagged down oncoming vehicles to assist.”
Video footage taken shortly after the crash showed Joshua being helped from the wreckage while visibly in pain.
The accident occurred just ten days after Joshua defeated Jake Paul in a widely viewed bout in Miami. He had traveled to Nigeria to spend time with family before preparing for future training commitments.
In the days following the crash, supporters have rallied around the families of the victims. Reports indicate that more than $180,000 has been raised in honor of Kevin Ayodele to support the construction of a mosque in his memory.
As investigations continue, authorities have emphasized that further updates will follow once all witness accounts and forensic reviews are completed.
