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Anthony Joshua’s Uncle Alleges Phone Stolen By Onlookers At Fatal Crash Scene
Adedamola Joshua, an uncle of the Nigerian-British world boxing champion Anthony Joshua, has described the shock and trauma the family is grappling with following the fatal accident that claimed the lives of two of the boxer’s close friends.
He said the family did not immediately learn about the incident through social media, noting that the information came later through a phone call.
Speaking with PUNCH, Adedamola Joshua recounted how news of the accident reached the family and raised concerns about emergency response, public conduct at accident scenes, and road safety in Nigeria.
“Well, some of us are not really used to social media, so we didn’t get to hear of it on time. But around 1 pm, one of my church members, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, called to inform me of the accident and it was like I had never in my life heard that people were involved in an accident.
“How can Anthony Joshua be involved in an accident? It sounded so impossible, but it actually happened; it is unfortunate,” he said.
According to him, the incident has left the family devastated, especially as the boxer had only arrived in Nigeria hours earlier and was heading to Sagamu to spend time with relatives.
“It has really left us in shock because this is not the first, the second, or the third time he has been coming home, so what happened? Why now?
“He just arrived in the country six hours ago on that day, and was eager to see his family in Sagamu, only for things to go the way they went,” he said.
Adedamola Joshua added that the boxer had chosen to spend time with family rather than meet with political leaders or other influential figures.
“He could have decided to say that he wanted to spend some time with the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, or other influential Nigerians, but he said that he wanted to be with his family in Sagamu. It is really painful that such an incident happened,” he added.
He explained that Anthony Joshua’s visits to Nigeria during the Yuletide were customary and not linked to any special event, noting that the family’s annual gathering had been discontinued following the death of a senior family member who coordinated it.
On the whereabouts of the boxer’s parents, he clarified that they were largely based in Nigeria, especially his father, while his mother alternated between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Commenting on emergency response after the accident, Adedamola Joshua criticised what he described as a weak emergency system.
“I want to condemn the lackadaisical attitude of our government towards anything emergency. To see Joshua crossing the median after the accident when he was supposed to be on a stretcher was distressing,” he said.
He added, “If it had been abroad, a helicopter would have arrived at the scene within five minutes for the evacuation of the victims of the accident.”
He also decried the circulation of graphic images of the accident on social media and called for more ambulances to be stationed along accident-prone highways.
“It is not enough to have the officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps checking vehicle documents; let there be ambulances too, stationed along this road,” he said.
Reacting to reports that bystanders recorded videos instead of assisting victims, he condemned such actions, alleging that personal belongings were stolen at the scene.
“Some Nigerians act badly at accident scenes. When they are supposed to help, you will see them bringing out their phones to make videos and even steal from the victims. That is not right,” he said, adding that Anthony Joshua’s phone was reportedly stolen during the chaos.
He called for improved public enlightenment on emergency response and awareness of emergency toll-free numbers.
Assessing the role of government, however, Adedamola Joshua commended the support provided by authorities following the incident.
“The government has sincerely done its best. Governors Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Ogun and Lagos states, respectively, have ensured that the boxer received the very best medical service,” he said.
He also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had personally reached out to the boxer and his parents.
“President Bola Tinubu is equally in touch with our son; he has spoken to him and the parents and assured them of the government’s support at all times,” he added.
On the driver involved in the accident, he said he had no personal knowledge of him but questioned reports of reckless driving.
“For a driver to have been said to be on top speed and overtake at the same time, then it leaves much to be desired of such a driver,” he said.
He suggested that the government should provide professional drivers and security details for national icons like Anthony Joshua whenever they are in the country.
Reflecting on the impact of the tragedy on the family’s festive mood, he said celebrations were overshadowed by grief.
“How can you celebrate when your son is in the hospital and two of his friends who were in the country to spend the vacation with him are being taken back in body bags?” he asked.
He described the incident as one of the most painful experiences the Joshua family had faced in decades.
While expressing relief over the boxer’s discharge from hospital, he said the family remained deeply traumatised by the loss of his friends.
“We heaved a sigh of relief when we heard that he had been discharged from the hospital; we thank God, but we thought about how good it would have been if his two friends had survived the crash too,” he said.
On speculations that the accident could affect Anthony Joshua’s boxing career or discourage him from returning home, Adedamola Joshua said such fears were understandable but remained hopeful.
“Our prayer is that he will continue to grow stronger and come out of this trying time much stronger than ever before,” he said.
He concluded by offering condolences to the families of the deceased.
“On behalf of the Joshuas at home and in the diaspora, we register our condolences with the families and associates of the friends of our beloved son, whose lives came to an abrupt end during the accident. We pray that the souls of the departed will rest in peace.”
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.
Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.
Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.
The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.
According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.
“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.
“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.
Residents of Ibadan, specifically in Bodija, Agbowo, Akobo, and the Agodi GRA, are currently on high alert after the Police and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) issued an urgent warning regarding a recent surge in kidnappings and armed robberies in those areas.
According to the DAILY POST, the Bodija Housing Estate Police Division and its community partners have formally expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the area.
In a statement signed by Bodija Housing Estate Police Division PCRC and Community Policing Unit of the division, they noted that there is an increase in the rate of kidnapping and armed robberies in areas such as Akobo and Bodija.
The statement urged residents to take necessary safety measures amidst rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities in areas such as Akobo and Bodija.
In the statement tagged “Urgent Safety Measures Amid Rising Kidnapping and Armed Robbery Incidents in Areas Including Akobo and Bodija” the residents were alerted that the desire for quick wealth has driven some individuals to commit terrible acts.
Part of the statement reads, “In light of the recent increase in criminal activities such as kidnapping and armed robbery across our communities, it has become imperative to issue updated safety guidelines. The desire for quick wealth has driven some individuals to commit terrible acts, and we must all be vigilant.
“Please adhere strictly to the following precautions, and also note the additional measures outlined below:
“Remember: Your safety and that of your loved ones depend greatly on your level of awareness and willingness to take precautionary steps. Security is a collective responsibility.
“Report emergencies promptly to: Oyo State Police Command: control room:08081768614, 08081768574
Bodija Division: DPO +2348052046348; PCRC Helpline/ Chairman – 07068874553”.
JomogNews reports that some residents have been in a panic mood as a result of the notice.
A resident of Bodija Housing Estate, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, explained that the recent happenings necessitated the notice.
“The recent happenings necessitated the move. Yes we have to be careful. People now think twice before they go out. We are more security conscious than before,” he said.
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