The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has officially confirmed that excessive speed and wrongful overtaking were the primary factors behind the tragic road crash involving former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass had reported earlier that the incident, which occurred around 12:00 PM on Monday, December 29, 2025, took place along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near the Sinoma area, close to the Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State.
Giving an update on the incident, FRSC revealed that the crash involved two vehicles: a black Lexus SUV carrying Anthony Joshua and a stationary red Sinotruck parked by the side of the road.
Preliminary investigations by the agency indicate that the driver of the Lexus lost control of the vehicle while attempting an illegal maneuver.
The agency highlighted that excessive speed and wrongful driving were the reasons behind the tragic road crash involving Joshua, adding that overtaking on such a high-traffic corridor often results in the driver’s inability to react to stationary obstacles.
The FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in a statement, said: “Preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus Jeep, which was suspected to be travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit on the corridor, lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre and crashed into a stationary truck well packed by the side of the road. The primary causes of the crash, being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways.”
The FRSC further gave details of the incident, noting that “preliminary reports from the Ogun Sector Command indicate that the crash occurred at about 12:00 noon and was promptly reported to the Corps. FRSC operatives arrived at the scene within three minutes of notification, enabling swift rescue operations, evacuation of victims, effective traffic control, and prevention of secondary crashes.
“The incident involved two vehicles: a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KRD 850 HN (private) and a stationary red commercial Sinotruck with unknown registration number. A total of five adult males were involved in the crash. Two people sadly lost their lives, one sustained injuries, while two others escaped unhurt. Anthony Joshua was rescued alive and sustained minor injuries.
“The injured victim was evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were conveyed to Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu. The Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) was duly notified for further investigation and necessary documentation.”
Meanwhile, the corps marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, on behalf of the entire management and staff of the Corps, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.
FRSC reiterated its warning to motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking, excessive speed, and disregard for traffic regulations, particularly on high-speed corridors such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. “Motorists are urged to exercise patience, maintain lane discipline, and prioritise safety over haste, especially during the festive travel period,” the Corps added.
