The driver in the fatal road crash that injured Anthony Joshua and killed two of his friends could be prosecuted, according to reports in Nigeria.
A well-placed source has reportedly disclosed that an investigation by the Federal Road Safety Corps has suggested that the vehicle was being driven at anexcessive speed and was involved in dangerous overtaking.
The investigators are finalising documentation for the Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division, with prosecution for dangerous or reckless driving causing death said to be under consideration. Joshua himself narrowly escaped death in the crash on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway that killed Kevin Ayodele, known as Latz, and Sina Ghami.
Both were 36 and, as well as being long-time friends of Joshua, were employed as personal trainer and sport and exercise rehabilitation coach, respectively.
Further details and footage from the devastating crash scene emerged on Wednesday, while Babatunde Akinbiyi, a spokesperson for Ogun State’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, confirmed that there had been a preliminary investigation.
“From the preliminary investigation that was conducted, definitely there was overspeeding on the part of the SUV Anthony Joshua was travelling in,” Akinbiyi told reporters in Nigeria.
“In the course of that, the front tyre on the passenger side burst. That led to loss of control before the vehicle now swerved and rammed into the stationary truck that was parked. There was excessive speed.” According to an unnamed FRSC official, the driver of the truck fled the scene immediately after the crash and has been declared wanted.
Police said the crash occurred in the town of Makun, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Photo / X
Joshua was rushed to the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, where he did not require emergency treatment and was said to be in a “stable” condition.
The driver of the vehicle was also taken to hospital but has reportedly now been discharged and has given a statement to police. Telegraph Sport has been told he was a local driver hired by Joshua and not another of his close friends.
Joshua was in the back of a Lexus SUV when it hit the stationary truck. He was among four passengers in the vehicle, with his security following in a separate car.
The speed limit on that section is 80km/h, with local media claiming it is one of Nigeria’s deadliest roads. The 127km stretch connects the cities of Ibadan and Lagos.
