The Ogun State Police Command has arrested the driver of the ill-fated Lexus SUV involved in the tragic road crash that injured former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and claimed the lives of two of his close associates on Monday, May 20, 2024.
According to police and family sources, the arrested driver has been identified as 47-year-old Kayode Adeniyi, a long-time member of Joshua’s Nigerian logistics team. The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near the Danco area.
A Trusted Driver in Police Custody
“Kayode Adeniyi, 47, is a long-time member of Joshua’s Nigerian logistics team,” a police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told PUNCH Metro. “He was at the wheels during the incident and is now in custody. Investigations are ongoing.”
Another source close to the Joshua family, who also requested anonymity, confirmed that Adeniyi is Nigerian and was involved in managing logistical arrangements for the boxer during his visits to Nigeria. The source added, “We learnt he was in a coma shortly after the incident. He’s now conscious and in police custody.”
Confirming the arrest, Oluseyi Babaseyi, spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, released a brief statement on Thursday: “The driver of the Lexus SUV in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident case is currently in custody. Investigations are ongoing.” No further details were disclosed at the time of publication.
The Fatal Crash That Shook Nigeria
On Monday morning, around 11:00 a.m., the luxury SUV—bearing registration number KRD 850 HN—plowed into a stationary truck along a stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and devastation as emergency responders scrambled to pull survivors from the wreckage.
Tragically, two individuals lost their lives in the crash. They have since been identified as:
- Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36 – A dual Nigerian/British citizen
- Gami Sina, 36 – A British citizen
Both were close associates of Anthony Joshua and were with him at the time of the accident. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through both the Nigerian and international communities, especially among boxing fans and fans of the Olympic gold medalist.
Anthony Joshua Discharged, Begins Recovery at Home
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the Lagos and Ogun State governments confirmed that Anthony Joshua has been discharged from Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, following extensive medical evaluation. Doctors declared him clinically fit to continue recuperating from home.
The statement was signed by Mr. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and Gbenga Omotosho, Lagos State Commissioner for Information.
“Anthony Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos on Wednesday to pay their final respects to the two deceased friends, whose bodies were being prepared for repatriation to the UK,” the statement read.
Both governors—Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos)—expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased, calling the incident “painful and deeply unfortunate.”
They prayed for the eternal repose of the departed souls and urged the public to continue in prayers for healing and strength.
National Leaders and Medical Team Commended
The state governments also extended heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what they described as his “fatherly support” during this difficult period. His personal attention to the case and concern for Joshua’s well-being were highlighted as sources of comfort.
Additionally, the governments lauded the medical team at Lagoon Hospitals, Ikoyi, for their swift response, professionalism, and dedication in treating Joshua and others injured in the crash.
“Your commitment to saving lives did not go unnoticed,” the statement read.
What’s Next?
With the driver now in custody, investigators are expected to probe several critical aspects of the crash, including the condition of the truck, visibility along that stretch of the expressway, possible mechanical failure, and whether speeding or driver fatigue played a role.
Public attention remains focused on the investigation as many seek answers to how such a tragic accident could occur involving one of Nigeria’s most celebrated sporting icons.
As the nation mourns the loss of two lives and rallies behind Anthony Joshua’s recovery, calls are growing for improved road safety measures along the notoriously hazardous Lagos-Ibadan Expressway—a corridor that has seen numerous fatal accidents over the years.
Final Thoughts
The crash involving Anthony Joshua is not just a personal tragedy, but a sobering reminder of the urgent need for better road safety infrastructure and accountability in Nigeria. While the boxing legend begins his physical recovery, the emotional toll of losing two close friends in a single moment remains immeasurable.
As investigations continue, the nation watches closely, hoping for clarity, justice, and, ultimately, steps to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
May the souls of Ayodele Kelvin Olu and Gami Sina rest in perfect peace.
