Family Devastated by Loss of Two Friends, Criticizes Emergency Response and Public Behavior.

Anthony Joshua accident phone stolen

In an emotional interview, Adedamola Joshua, uncle of British-Nigerian boxing icon Anthony Joshua, has opened up about the family’s trauma following the tragic car crash on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu.

The accident claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, while the former heavyweight champion sustained minor injuries and has since been discharged from hospital.

Adedamola revealed that Joshua had arrived in Nigeria just six hours earlier, eager to spend the festive period with family in Sagamu rather than with high-profile figures. “He could have spent time with influential Nigerians, but he chose family,” he said, expressing disbelief at the timing of the tragedy.

The family learned of the incident via a phone call from a retired police officer, as many are not active on social media. Adedamola condemned the behavior of some bystanders: “Some Nigerians act badly at accident scenes… We even heard that Anthony Joshua’s phone was stolen during the accident; such attitudes must be discouraged.”

He criticized the slow emergency response, noting Joshua had to cross the median himself instead of being stretchered to safety, and called for more ambulances on accident-prone roads like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Adedamola also suggested escorts and professional drivers for high-profile visitors.

The family expressed relief at Joshua’s discharge but profound grief over the losses, describing it as the deepest sorrow since 1964. They extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength amid speculation about impacts on Joshua’s career.

This incident has spotlighted Nigeria’s road safety issues, with the driver charged with dangerous driving.