President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, over a fatal road crash that claimed the lives of two of his bodyguards.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said preliminary investigations linked the crash to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking.
The accident occurred on Monday at Makun, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. A Lexus SUV conveying Joshua rammed into a stationary truck during an overtaking manoeuvre.
In a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, Tinubu expressed deep sympathy with the boxer and his family, describing the incident as a tragic loss. He prayed for Joshua’s quick recovery and for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
The President later confirmed that he spoke with Joshua by phone, as well as with his mother and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who was with them at the hospital. According to Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President assured the family of his support and prayers.
In a statement, FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide said the crash involved two vehicles and five adult males. Two persons died, one sustained injuries, while two escaped unhurt. Joshua suffered minor injuries and was rescued alive.
FRSC operatives arrived at the scene within minutes, carried out rescue operations, evacuated victims, and restored traffic flow. The injured were taken for medical care, while the deceased were deposited at Livewell Morgue, Sagamu.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, extended condolences to the families of the victims and urged motorists to avoid speeding and dangerous overtaking, especially on high-speed highways.
The Ogun FRSC command and the state police also confirmed the incident, noting that the road had been cleared of obstructions.
Meanwhile, the Ogun and Lagos State governments, in a joint statement, confirmed that Joshua and another passenger were stable after medical evaluation. The states said investigations had begun and appealed for privacy for the boxer and his family.
