Joshua Returns to UK as Tributes and Justice Efforts Follow Nigeria Crash Tragedy

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom after being involved in a fatal road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends, as both families and authorities take steps toward remembrance and accountability.

The 36-year-old boxer was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck on a major expressway near Lagos on Monday. The crash resulted in the deaths of Joshua’s close friends and long-time team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, a loss that has sent shockwaves through Joshua’s inner circle and the wider boxing community.

Following the accident, Joshua was taken to hospital for treatment and observation. He was discharged on Wednesday after doctors confirmed his condition was stable, allowing him to begin the journey back to the UK to be with family, friends and supporters during a difficult period.

Funeral arrangements for Ghami and Ayodele have now been confirmed, with services set to take place on Sunday at a mosque in London. Friends, relatives and members of the sporting community are expected to attend, offering an opportunity to honour the lives and contributions of the two men, who were widely regarded as central figures in Joshua’s professional and personal life.

In Nigeria, legal proceedings connected to the crash are underway. The driver of the vehicle, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Kayode was granted bail in the sum of five million naira (£2,578) and has been remanded pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions. The case has been adjourned until 20 January, giving investigators additional time to complete inquiries and ensuring the judicial process continues in an orderly manner.