‘The best way I could reach everyone’- Anthony Joshua recounts tragedy in full

By Tolulope Oke

British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua has provided a detailed account of the December 2025 road accident that killed his close friends Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele and Gami Sina and left him injured.

In a video shared on his official Instagram page on Thursday, Joshua described the deceased as his “brothers” and reflected on the profound personal and emotional impact of the tragedy.

“So this is the best way I could reach out to all of you, far and wide, worldwide, who were showing so much love, care, support through that tragic, traumatic time where we lost Latz and Sina in Nigeria,” Joshua said.

The crash occurred on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Joshua said it came unexpectedly after plans to conclude the year together.

“The last time I spoke to you guys was in Miami. We had so many plans to wrap up 2025, and we were on a mission. We went back home, went to see our families, and everything just got flipped upside on its head,” he said.

Joshua reflected on the loss, emphasizing its impact on families and friends.

“Not only did their parents, uncles, cousins, and friends lose two great men, we also lost people that we dearly care about. They were major players in all of our lives,” he said.

He further described his bond with the deceased, noting that it extended beyond friendship into business and personal collaboration. “They’re my brothers, they’re my friends first and foremost, and then we became business partners. We became everything,” he said.

Joshua pledged to support the families of the deceased. “I understand my duty. I understand what they wanted to do for their families, so my goal is to continue to help them achieve their goals, even though they may not be here in the physical,” he said.

In his Instagram caption, Joshua wrote: “A short message from the heart. My brother’s keeper for life.”

He also thanked first responders, medical personnel, and local communities who assisted at the scene. Joshua named Dr Ogunyankin, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi, and Dr Ninalowo of Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, for their care.

Joshua expressed gratitude to officials and business leaders who helped facilitate his return to the UK, including British Deputy High Commissioner Simon Field, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and President Bola Tinubu.

The driver involved in the crash, Adeniyi Kayode, 46, has appeared before a magistrate’s court in Sagamu, Ogun State. Magistrate Olajumoke Somefu adjourned the case to February 25 after the prosecution requested time to transmit the case file to the Ogun State Attorney-General’s Office for legal advice.

Joshua’s uncle reportedly stated that the boxer does not wish for the driver to face jail time over the incident.