Adedamola Joshua, an uncle of Nigerian-British boxing champion Anthony Joshua, has said the family remains traumatised by the fatal road accident that killed two of the boxer’s close friends, alleging that bystanders stole Joshua’s phone at the scene.
Speaking with The PUNCH, Adedamola Joshua said the family did not learn about the accident through social media but received the news later via a phone call. He explained that he was informed around 1pm by a church member, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, describing the moment as shocking and difficult to believe.
According to him, the family was devastated by the incident, which occurred just hours after Anthony Joshua arrived in Nigeria and was travelling to Sagamu to visit relatives. He said the boxer had chosen to spend time with family rather than meet political leaders or other influential figures during the visit.
He noted that Joshua’s trips to Nigeria during the Yuletide were customary and not connected to any special event, adding that the family’s annual gathering had been discontinued following the death of a senior family member.
On emergency response, Adedamola Joshua criticised what he described as weak systems, saying it was distressing to see the boxer moving across the road median after the crash instead of being evacuated on a stretcher. He said such a situation would have attracted swift air evacuation if it had occurred abroad.
He also condemned the circulation of graphic images from the accident scene on social media and called for the deployment of ambulances along accident-prone highways, rather than limiting the presence of officials to document checks.
Reacting to reports that bystanders filmed the scene instead of assisting victims, he decried what he described as poor public conduct, alleging that personal belongings were stolen during the chaos, including Anthony Joshua’s phone.
Despite the criticism, he commended the response of the government, saying Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ensured that the boxer received quality medical care. He also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu personally reached out to Anthony Joshua and his parents to offer support.
On reports of reckless driving, he questioned claims that the driver was speeding and overtaking simultaneously, suggesting that professional drivers and security details should be provided for national icons when they are in the country.
Adedamola Joshua said the tragedy overshadowed the family’s festive celebrations, describing the loss of the boxer’s friends as one of the most painful experiences the family had faced in decades. While expressing relief that Anthony Joshua had been discharged from hospital, he said the family remained deeply affected by the deaths.
He concluded by offering condolences to the families of the deceased and praying for strength and healing for all those affected by the incident.
