Credit: Alamy
Authorities Issue Update On Anthony Joshua Crash As Manhunt For Driver Underway
A police manhunt is underway in Nigeria following a fatal car crash involving former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
Authorities confirmed a man is being sought in connection with the incident, which took place earlier this week on December 29.
Joshua was born in Watford, UK, to Nigerian parents and has openly embraced his Nigerian heritage throughout his life and career, describing himself as proudly both Nigerian and British.
The trip during which the crash occurred was understood to be a personal visit to Nigeria following his recent fight, giving him a chance to spend time in the country of his roots and be with family as the year came to a close.
The 36-year-old boxer was riding as a passenger in a Lexus SUV on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the vehicle slammed into a stationary truck.
Two of Joshua’s long-time personal trainers, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, were killed in the crash. Both men were close friends who had worked alongside Joshua throughout much of his career.
Eddie Hearn releases fresh statement
British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn paid tribute to the pair on social media.
Hearn has overseen Joshua’s rise from Olympic champion to global boxing superstar, promoting every fight of his professional career.
The pair have worked together for more than a decade, navigating world title triumphs, high-profile defeats, and multiple comebacks.
“Rest in peace Latz and Sina,” Hearn wrote on Instagram.
“Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed.
“Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time.”
Hearn’s tribute underlined the close relationship between promoter and fighter, with the Matchroom boss among many figures from the boxing world to publicly express support for Joshua in the wake of the tragedy.
Anthony Joshua’s health condition
Joshua was rushed to hospital after the collision and treated at Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, recently named Nigeria’s top private hospital for the second consecutive year.
Officials have since confirmed he has been discharged.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso said on X (formerly Twitter) that Joshua was released on Wednesday afternoon after being declared medically fit to recover at home.
Omotoso added that Joshua and his mother had attended a funeral home in Lagos to pay their respects as Ayodele and Ghami were prepared for repatriation.
While Joshua reportedly suffered only minor physical injuries, those close to him are said to be concerned about the emotional impact of the tragedy.
Sources cited by The Sun claim the fear is that the loss of two constant figures in his career could leave long-term psychological scars and potentially affect his future in boxing.
Car crashed on one of the country’s ‘most dangerous roads’
Police say the Lexus was traveling above the 50mph speed limit and lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most dangerous roads.
According to the Daily Mail, dozens have been killed along the route in recent months.
Statistics published by the newspaper show 73 deaths in just three months along the 79-mile stretch earlier this year.
Over the past 27 months, more than 11,000 people have been involved in crashes on the expressway, resulting in 645 deaths and nearly 4,000 injuries.
Nationwide, at least 1,593 people died on Nigeria’s roads in the first three months of 2025 alone.
The incident has reignited serious concerns over road safety in the country.
Manhunt underway for driver following crash
According to the Mail, the driver of the truck struck by the SUV carrying Joshua has since disappeared, prompting a police manhunt.
Nigerian authorities have confirmed the suspect, believed to be a man in his 30s and not publicly identified, is being sought in connection with the crash.
Police also stated that the truck was unlawfully parked on the hard shoulder of the road north of Lagos at the time of the collision.
Meanwhile, officers are investigating the driver of the Lexus for alleged speeding, with potential reckless driving charges not ruled out.
As investigations continue, tributes have continued to pour in for Ayodele and Ghami, two men described as integral parts of Joshua’s journey to the top of the sport.
For now, attention remains on the ongoing police inquiry and the impact of a tragedy that has left one of boxing’s biggest names mourning the loss of two close friends.
Related Article: Anthony Joshua’s Family Issues Heartbreaking Update After Boxer Involved In Fatal Car Crash
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