First Public Statement: Anthony Joshua Addresses Fatal Accident and Pledges Support to Families
In his first public statement since a devastating car crash in late 2025, British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua took to social media to mourn the loss of two close companions.
In a video shared on his Instagram on Thursday, the former world champion paid an emotional tribute to Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Gami Sina, whom he described as his “brothers.” Joshua expressed his gratitude for the global outpouring of sympathy, stating, “This is the best way I could reach out to all of you… who were showing so much love, care, and support through that tragic, traumatic time.”
The fatal incident occurred on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. While the accident tragically claimed the lives of his friends, it was also revealed that Joshua himself sustained injuries during the crash.
Joshua revealed that the tragedy struck just as the group was preparing to celebrate the end of 2025 together. He recalled their last conversation in Miami, noting they were “on a mission” and had returned to Nigeria to visit family when “everything just got flipped upside on its head.”
The loss has left a profound void for Joshua and the victims’ families. He described the two men as “major players” in his life—not just business partners, but brothers and friends first.
Moving forward, Joshua stated he feels a deep sense of responsibility to the families left behind. He pledged to honor his friends’ memories by helping them achieve the goals they had for their loved ones. “It ain’t about legacy,” he remarked, “it’s just doing what’s right.”
Accompanying the video with the heartfelt caption, “A short message from the heart. My brother’s keeper for life,” Joshua also extended his gratitude to the individuals and organizations that aided his recovery and supported him through the aftermath of the crash.
Joshua extended a heartfelt “massive amount of appreciation” to those who assisted in the immediate aftermath of the crash. He specifically praised the first responders, the local residents who offered prayers at the scene, and the bystanders who helped transport him and his friends to the hospital.
He credited the medical team at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi—naming Dr. Ogunyankin, Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi, and Dr. Ninalowo—for their dedicated care. The boxer also highlighted the logistical support he received from high-profile figures, including Simon Field of the British Deputy High Commission, and business magnates Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote, noting that their help was essential for his smooth medical evacuation back to the UK.
Finally, Joshua expressed deep gratitude for the personal intervention of Nigeria’s top leadership, including President Bola Tinubu, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and senior security officials, thanking them for their “personal involvement” and daily check-ins during his recovery.
Legal proceedings have commenced regarding the accident, with 46-year-old driver Adeniyi Kayode recently appearing before a magistrate’s court in Sagamu, Ogun State.
Magistrate Olajumoke Somefu has adjourned the matter until February 25. The delay follows a request from the prosecution to transfer the case file to the Ogun State Attorney-General’s Office via the Department of Public Prosecutions for formal legal guidance.
In a notable turn, reports indicate that Anthony Joshua’s uncle has stated the boxer does not wish to see the driver imprisoned as a result of the tragic incident.
