The Ogun State Police Command has detained the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the crash that occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday and left two people dead, as investigators intensify efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police sources confirmed that the driver, identified as Kayode Adeniyi, 47, was behind the wheel of the vehicle conveying former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, and two associates when it collided with a stationary truck near Danco area of the expressway at about 11am.
Adeniyi, described as a long-standing member of Joshua’s logistics team in Nigeria, was taken into custody as part of routine investigative procedures. A senior police source, who spoke in confidence, said the driver had worked closely with the boxer during his visits to the country.
Another source close to the family disclosed that the driver, a Nigerian, sustained severe injuries in the crash and was briefly in critical condition following the incident.
Confirming the development, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the driver was currently in custody while investigations continue. He did not provide further details.
The crash claimed the lives of two foreign nationals later identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, 36, a British national. Both were occupants of the Lexus SUV at the time of the accident.
Joshua, who survived the crash, was initially hospitalised alongside other injured victims. The Lagos and Ogun State governments later announced his discharge after doctors confirmed he was stable and fit to continue recovery from home.
In a joint statement by the Ogun State Governor’s spokesman, Kayode Akinmade, and Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, the governments expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, describing the incident as painful and deeply unfortunate.
The statement revealed that Joshua and his mother visited a Lagos funeral home on Wednesday to pay their last respects to the deceased, whose remains were being prepared for repatriation.
Governors Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu appreciated the public for the outpouring of concern and prayers, while also thanking President Bola Tinubu for his support during the period. They further commended the medical team at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, for their professionalism and dedication.
As investigations continue, police authorities said further updates would be provided as facts emerge, underscoring their commitment to due process and accountability in the handling of the tragic incident.
