metro

Tinubu Condoles Anthony Joshua After Ogun Crash That Killed Two Associates

Published

3 weeks ago

December 30, 2025

Anthony Joshua

Tinubu Condoles Anthony Joshua After Ogun Crash That Killed Two Associates

President Bola Tinubu has spoken with Anthony Joshua, the Nigerian-British boxing star, following a tragic road accident in Ogun State that left the boxer injured and claimed the lives of two of his associates.

Tinubu, who is currently abroad, disclosed that he personally called Joshua to express condolences over the loss and to wish him a speedy recovery.

“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. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital,” the President said.

Reno Omokri has criticized Nigerians' use of social media to "de-market" the country following the car accident involving ex-world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua in Ogun State. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu added that he also spoke with Joshua’s mother, who expressed appreciation for the gesture. The President further revealed that he contacted Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with Joshua, and received assurances that the boxer was receiving optimal medical attention.

Earlier, in a post on X, President Tinubu expressed deep sympathy with Joshua and his family over the incident, which occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

READ ALSO:

“I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride,” Tinubu wrote.

The President prayed for Joshua’s quick recovery and asked God to grant eternal rest to the souls of the deceased.

The accident reportedly occurred at the Makun area of Ogun State, when a Lexus Jeep conveying Anthony Joshua, with registration number KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck.

Confirming the incident, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State said the crash involved five persons. According to the FRSC Public Education Officer, Afolabi Odunsi, the accident was caused by excessive speeding and wrongful overtaking.

“Five people were involved; one injured, two were unhurt, while two were killed in the crash. It was discovered that Anthony Joshua (international boxer) was involved. He sustained injuries and was taken to an undisclosed hospital by security officers attached to him,” Odunsi stated.

He added that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at a morgue and that road obstructions caused by the crash had been cleared.

The Ogun State Police Command also confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, who said the victims were deposited at Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu.

Tinubu Condoles Anthony Joshua After Ogun Crash That Killed Two Associates

Up Next

Wrongful Overtaking Led to Anthony Joshua Auto Crash, Says FRSC

Don't Miss

Gunmen Attack Gebbe Community in Kebbi, Many Feared Dead

metro

EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

Published

1 hour ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Sarumi Samusudeen Babafemi, an associate of social media personality Ismaila Mustapha (Mompha), alongside three corporate entities, over an alleged ₦206 million fraud before the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja.

Babafemi — Managing Director and CEO of 606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited, and Splash Off Entertainment Limited — faces five counts of conspiracy, concealment, and transfer of proceeds of crime, allegedly committed between 2013 and 2018. The EFCC claims the offences involved large sums, including ₦37.6 million and ₦93 million transferred to third parties, with knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful acts.

READ ALSO:

When the charges were read, Babafemi pleaded not guilty. His defence lawyer, SAN Kunle Adegoke, filed a bail application, which the court granted, ordering that Babafemi be released to his counsel upon signing an affidavit of undertaking to appear in court. The trial is now scheduled to commence on March 24, 2026.

The EFCC said Babafemi acted in concert with Mompha and other co-accused — Ridwan Momodu Allison (Osama) and Richard Ugbah, who are currently at large — to facilitate the alleged money laundering scheme. This latest prosecution comes as part of broader EFCC efforts to tackle financial crimes and fraud networks linked to high-profile figures in Nigeria.

EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

metro

Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

Published

1 hour ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed that worshippers were abducted during attacks on churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, after initially denying the reports. The reversal comes as security agencies deploy tactical units to rescue the victims and secure the area.

Eyewitnesses and local sources say armed gunmen stormed multiple churches, including ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim, during Sunday services, seizing dozens of worshippers. Community leaders report that over 170 people may have been abducted, with some survivors managing to escape.

READ ALSO:

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other local bodies have condemned the attacks and called for an urgent and thorough rescue operation. Authorities say they are intensifying efforts to locate and safely recover the victims, amid growing national concern over mass kidnappings in northern Nigeria.

The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Kaduna State and other northern and central regions, where armed gangs and kidnappers frequently target vulnerable communities, often for ransom or political leverage. Families of the abducted worshippers continue to appeal for swift action as the rescue operations proceed.

Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

metro

Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu

Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria

The Presidency of Nigeria has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of deliberately spreading false claims of a Christian genocide, saying the narrative is being amplified to mislead international opinion and influence foreign policy. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, described the reports as propaganda lacking verification and stressed that they do not reflect the reality of Nigeria’s security situation.

Bwala’s remarks follow widespread reports linking the so-called genocide narrative to statements from IPOB and affiliated actors, which have circulated on social media and attracted attention from international media and some foreign lawmakers. According to the Presidency, these claims oversimplify Nigeria’s complex security challenges, which include terrorism, banditry, and communal violence, rather than targeted religious persecution.

READ ALSO:

The controversy has drawn U.S. congressional attention, with some lawmakers reportedly considering diplomatic responses. In response, the Nigerian Government has engaged U.S.-based lobbyists to highlight its efforts in protecting all citizens, regardless of faith, and to correct misleading narratives surrounding violence in the country.

Religious and civic leaders in Nigeria remain divided. While some dismiss the genocide claims as exaggerated and potentially divisive, others acknowledge violence against Christians but caution that framing it as genocide misrepresents the broader security context. Analysts warn that the debate over religious persecution and misinformation has significant implications for national unity, international perception, and Nigeria’s foreign relations.