The Federal Road Safety Corps has said excessive speed and wrongful overtaking caused the road crash involving British-Nigerian boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday.
The crash occurred around noon near the Sinoma area of Sagamu, Ogun State, and involved a black Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and a stationary red Sinotruck parked by the roadside.
The Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, confirmed the cause of the accident in a statement on Monday.
According to the FRSC, preliminary findings by the Ogun Sector Command showed that five adult males were involved in the crash, with two occupants dying on the spot.
The statement said one person sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Joshua was rescued alive and suffered only minor injuries.
“The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu,” the FRSC said.
Ogungbemide explained that initial investigations revealed that the Lexus SUV was suspected to be travelling beyond the approved speed limit before losing control during an overtaking attempt.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well parked by the side of the road,” the statement read.
The FRSC stressed that speeding and wrongful overtaking remain major causes of fatal crashes on Nigerian highways.
“The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” it added.
The corps also confirmed that the Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division had been informed to carry out further investigation and documentation.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Joshua a quick recovery.
“On behalf of the entire Management and staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps, heartfelt condolences go to the families of the deceased, and we wish the injured victim, Anthony Joshua, a speedy recovery,” the statement said.
The FRSC urged motorists to drive responsibly, especially during the festive period, warning against dangerous driving habits.
“The public is reminded that the Corps remains resolute in its mandate to ensure safer roads, prompt emergency response, and sustained public education aimed at reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities across the country,” it stated.
The Ogun State Police Command also confirmed the incident. Its Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, said Joshua and other injured persons were rushed to an undisclosed hospital.
“The Ogun State Police Command confirms a road accident today in front of Sinoma, before Danco, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Anthony Joshua and other injured persons have been rushed to the hospital,” the police said.
The police added that two other passengers lost their lives and their remains were taken to the Livewell Hospital Morgue in Sagamu.
The command assured the public that a thorough investigation had begun and promised to provide updates as the probe continues.
