The family of former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been left reeling not only by the tragic road accident involving the boxer but also by allegations of theft at the scene. In a revealing interview, the boxer's uncle, Adedamola Joshua, disclosed disturbing details about the conduct of some individuals present after the crash.
Alleged Theft and Public Conduct at the Scene
Speaking to The Punch, Adedamola Joshua expressed the family's deep distress over reports that personal items were stolen in the immediate aftermath of the incident. He specifically alleged that Anthony Joshua's mobile phone was taken from the accident site.
"Some Nigerians act badly at accident scenes," he stated. "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 emphasised that such behaviour must be strongly discouraged, confirming the family had heard about the theft of the phone directly.
Family's Shock and Criticism of Emergency Services
The uncle described the moment the family learned of the accident as surreal. He received a call around 1 pm on the day of the incident from a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police who is a fellow church member. "It sounded so impossible. How can Anthony Joshua be involved in an accident? But it actually happened," he recounted.
Adedamola Joshua revealed that the boxer had arrived in Nigeria merely six hours earlier and was travelling to visit family in Sagamu when the crash occurred. He had returned for a quiet festive period with his loved ones, a decision that made the tragedy even more painful for the family.
He was sharply critical of the emergency response, contrasting it with what he expected would happen abroad. "To see Joshua crossing the median after the accident when he was supposed to be on a stretcher was distressing. If it had been abroad, a helicopter would have arrived within minutes," he said. He called on authorities to deploy ambulances on accident-prone routes rather than focusing only on routine road checks.
Government Support and Lasting Trauma
Despite his criticisms, Joshua's uncle acknowledged the swift intervention and support from government officials. He noted that Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) ensured Joshua received top medical care, and that President Bola Tinubu spoke directly with the boxer and his parents, offering assurances of support.
He suggested that prominent national figures should be provided with trained drivers and proper security arrangements when in the country. The festive season has been overshadowed by grief, with the family mourning the loss of Joshua's friends who died in the crash. "How can you celebrate when your son is in the hospital and two of his friends are being taken back in body bags?" he asked.
While relieved Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital, the uncle said the loss of life remains a profound trauma. Addressing speculation about the boxer's future, he stated that talk of retirement is mere conjecture, and the family's prayer is for him to emerge from this ordeal stronger.
