British former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car accident on Monday along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, near Sagamu in Ogun State, Nigeria. The tragic incident claimed the lives of two British men who were travelling with him, while Joshua himself sustained minor injuries and was rescued alive.

The accident, which occurred around the Sinoma area near Sagamu at approximately 1200HRS, involved a black Lexus SUV, registered KRD 850 HN, conveying Joshua and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck. Ogun State Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed Joshua was seated in the rear of the vehicle when the collision took place and received medical attention for his minor injuries. An eyewitness, Adeniyi Orojo, also noted Joshua's seating position and the presence of other individuals in the Lexus.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), preliminary findings attribute the crash to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking. The Lexus Jeep, suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and subsequently crashed into the stationary truck, which was parked by the side of the road. The FRSC emphasized that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking are leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways.

A total of five adult males were involved in the crash. Tragically, two British nationals died instantly, and their remains were conveyed to Livewell Morgue in Ajaka, Sagamu. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive with minor injuries, while two other occupants of the Lexus SUV reportedly escaped unhurt. Joshua's name and the location of the hospital where he is receiving medical attention have been kept confidential for security reasons.

FRSC operatives responded swiftly to the scene within three minutes of notification, enabling prompt rescue operations, victim evacuation, traffic control, and prevention of secondary crashes. Security personnel attached to Joshua's convoy also assisted in his rescue and transportation to the hospital. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) has been notified for further investigation and documentation, with the damaged Lexus SUV evacuated to their Sagamu office. Efforts are ongoing to tow the truck to the same location for a comprehensive investigation.

The incident drew widespread reactions and condolences. The Ogun State Government, through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Kayode Akinmade, described the event as "deeply unfortunate and painful," extending condolences to the bereaved families and sympathy to Joshua. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also expressed his sadness on his verified X account, offering prayers for Joshua's recovery and heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

Joshua was in Nigeria following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, a fight he won by sixth-round knockout, marking his return to the ring after a 15-month layoff. He has family roots in Sagamu. Plans for a potential clash with Tyson Fury in 2026 had been underway prior to the accident.

The FRSC, through Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed and Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, reiterated its strong warning to motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking, excessive speed, and disregard for traffic regulations, particularly on high-speed corridors like the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, and especially during festive travel periods. They urged motorists to exercise patience, maintain lane discipline, and prioritize safety over haste.