Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni has raised concerns over emergency response during the road accident involving British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua on a major road in Ogun State.
Two close associates of the Nigerian born boxer died in the crash and were identified as Ayodele Kelvin, 36, a Nigerian-British citizen and Gami Sina, 36, a British citizen.
Mr Joshua sustained injuries and was taken to hospital in a police van, as no ambulance was immediately available at the scene.
The incident has triggered public debate about emergency services and rescue systems in Nigeria.
Reacting on his X page, Mr Oseni questioned the absence of ambulances and first responders at the scene.
He said, “Was there no Ambulance/ Emergency number to call during the Anthony Joshua incident? Where are the first responders! Na wa?”
In a follow-up post, he also queried claims by the Federal Road Safety Corps on its response time and conclusions about the cause of the accident.
He wrote, “FRSC said the arrived at the scene in 3 mins! Are we sure? FRSC said the driver exceeded the speed limit, how dem take know? Where are the speed cameras on the expressway! Nigeria!”
QEDNG earlier reported that Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said Joshua was in a stable condition and receiving medical care following the accident on the Lagos Ibadan Expressway on Monday, December 29.
The crash involved a Toyota Lexus jeep conveying Joshua and three other passengers.
The Ogun State Government said Governor Abiodun visited the hospital where Joshua was receiving treatment shortly after the accident.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu later joined him.
Speaking on the incident, Abiodun said, “As soon as I was informed, I headed straight to the hospital and was later joined by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. We both took charge of the situation, oversaw Anthony Joshua’s care, and remained at the hospital for over seven hours.”
Other officials who visited the hospital included the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade.
President Bola Tinubu was briefed on the incident and later spoke separately with Joshua, his mother and Governor Abiodun, during which he conveyed his sympathies and condolences.
The British High Commission was also notified.
Its Deputy Head of Mission, Simon Field, visited the hospital and met with Joshua and the two governors.
