By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
POLICE IN Ogun State have taken the driver involved in the fatal Lexus SUV crash that killed two associates of former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua into custody, as investigations into the incident commence.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the crash is currently in custody and noted that its investigations are underway to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the accident, as well as the driver’s involvement.
The incident occurred on Monday while the driver was transporting Joshua and two of his associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, along the busy Lagos-Ibadan-Expressway.
Suddenly, the Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the deaths of Ayodele and Ghami at the scene while Joshua and the driver sustained minor injuries.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Police Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the driver’s detention and the commencement of investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“The driver of the Lexus SUV is currently in custody in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident case. Investigations are ongoing,” Babaseyi said.
According to the police command, it reiterated that the inquiry would cover both the immediate and remote causes of the accident, alongside the role played by the driver but did not provide further details on the scope or duration of the investigation.
Also, the crash occurred around the Sinoma area near Sagamu in Ogun State. At the time of the accident, Joshua and three other passengers were reportedly travelling from Lagos to Sagamu when the Lexus SUV they were in collided with the stationary truck.
While Joshua survived the incident with minor injuries, Ayodele and Ghami, who was described as Joshua’s long-time friend and his strength and conditioning coach, as Ayodele served as his personal trainer, both died at the scene.
Joshua was taken to Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, for treatment following the accident but was later discharged late Wednesday evening after being deemed clinically fit to continue his recovery at home.
Following his discharge, the former world heavyweight champion, accompanied by his mother, reportedly visited a funeral home in Lagos to pay their final respects to Ayodele and Ghami.
The visit took place as the bodies of the two men were being prepared for repatriation, which was scheduled for last night.
Condolences were expressed by the governments of Lagos and Ogun states in a joint statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade.
“We pray the Almighty grants the repose of their souls and provides their families and loved ones with the fortitude to bear this very sad and painful loss,” the statement read.
Also, the statement acknowledged public reactions following the incident.
“Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu deeply appreciate the public concern and the outpouring of love and affection following this very unfortunate incident,” it said.
The two state governments further expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu GCFR saying: “We extend our appreciation to Mr President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for the fatherly support he has provided throughout this process.”
It also concluded with thanks to medical personnel who treated those injured in the crash.
“We also wish to thank the team of doctors and medical personnel at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, who attended to Anthony and the other injured victims. The quality of care and professionalism they displayed is truly commendable,” it said.
In a post shared on X on Thursday, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the driver’s detention as Babaseyi repeated that the driver remained in custody with investigations continuing into the accident involving Joshua.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said its preliminary findings attributed the motor accident to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking.
However, the Ogun State Police Command said a tyre burst was responsible for the crash adding that Police authorities said investigations remain ongoing as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
