Former unified heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has returned to the United Kingdom after surviving a tragic car accident in Ogun State that claimed the lives of two of his associates and left him hospitalised.
Joshua arrived at London Stansted Airport on Friday night aboard a private jet, before being driven to his residence to continue his recovery, according to earlier reports by The Guardian.
Sources disclosed that the boxer was initially scheduled to depart Murtala Mohammed International Airport at 2:10pm but experienced a delay, eventually taking off at about 3:45pm. His private jet reportedly touched down in London at approximately 9:45pm.
Fresh details surrounding the accident emerged on Friday during court proceedings involving Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, at the Ogun State Multidoor Court in Sagamu. Adeniyi, who pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter, reckless driving, and driving without a valid licence, told the court that Joshua narrowly escaped death after they swapped seats shortly before the crash.
According to the driver, Joshua had initially been seated in the front passenger seat but was later asked to move to the back seat due to his height and legroom concerns.
Dressed in a black Muslim kaftan, the 47-year-old driver told the court that the journey was smooth until he suddenly lost control of the vehicle.
“The journey started smoothly from the airport to the expressway until I could no longer feel the brake,” he said.
Court records confirmed that the crash resulted in the death of two individuals, while Joshua sustained injuries that required immediate hospital treatment. The case has since been adjourned to allow for further investigations.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the boxing star over the tragic incident. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he personally called Joshua to sympathise with him and offer prayers.
“I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him,” Tinubu said, adding that Joshua assured him he was receiving adequate medical care.
The President also reached out to Joshua’s mother to offer his support and prayers, noting that she expressed appreciation for the gesture.
The accident has continued to draw national attention as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash remain ongoing.
Anthony Joshua Returns to UK After Surviving Fatal Ogun Crash
