The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking led to the crash involving British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday.
The accident occurred around 12pm near the Sinoma area in Sagamu, Ogun State, involving a black Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and a stationary red Sinotruck parked by the roadside.
In a statement, the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, said preliminary findings revealed that five adult males were involved in the crash, with two of the occupants dying on the spot. One person sustained injuries, while two others, including Joshua escaped unhurt.
“The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu,” the statement read.
According to the FRSC, the Lexus SUV was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit when it lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre, crashing into the stationary truck. The Corps noted that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking remain among the leading causes of fatal crashes on Nigerian highways.
The statement added that the Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division had been notified for further investigation and documentation.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Anthony Joshua a speedy recovery. “On behalf of the entire Management and staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps, heartfelt condolences go to the families of the deceased,” the statement said.
The FRSC also urged motorists to prioritise safety, warning against speeding and dangerous overtaking, particularly during the festive season. The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to safer highways through enforcement, rescue operations, and public education, saying:
“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.”
