Bystanders stole Anthony Joshua’s Phone- Uncle lament

Adedamola Joshua, uncle of former world boxing champion Anthony Joshua, opened up to Taiwo Bankole about the recent accident that claimed the lives of two of the boxer’s friends and the distress it has caused the family.

He explained that the family first learned of the crash around 1 p.m. through a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, as many were not active on social media. The news of Joshua being involved was “almost impossible to believe,” he said.

“The incident has left us in shock. He had just arrived in Nigeria six hours prior and was eager to be with family in Sagamu, not anywhere else. It is truly painful,” Adedamola Joshua said.

Anthony Joshua usually visits Nigeria during the festive season to spend time with family. While the family’s traditional annual gathering has ceased following the death of an elder who coordinated it, Joshua continues to engage with local leaders, including the Governor of Ogun State and the Akarigbo of Remo.

The uncle criticized the handling of the accident by emergency responders, noting that Joshua had to cross the median himself instead of being transported on a stretcher. “If this had happened abroad, a helicopter would have arrived within minutes. More ambulances and better emergency response are needed on this road,” he said.

Adedamola also condemned bystanders who filmed the accident rather than helping victims. He revealed that Joshua’s phone was stolen at the scene, calling for stricter enforcement and public awareness about reporting emergencies.

Despite the tragedy, he acknowledged government support, praising the interventions of Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, as well as President Bola Tinubu, who personally checked on Joshua and his family. He suggested that prominent figures like Joshua should be provided professional drivers and escorts when in Nigeria.

The family remains deeply affected by the loss of Joshua’s friends, noting that the festive celebrations were overshadowed by grief. “How can you celebrate when your son is in the hospital and two friends are in body bags?” he asked.

Although Anthony Joshua has been discharged, the family worries about the emotional toll and potential impact on his boxing career. “It might discourage him from returning home soon, given the loss of his personal friends,” Adedamola said.

He concluded by offering condolences to the families of the deceased and praying for the strength of all those affected by the accident, emphasizing the hope that Joshua will emerge stronger from this trying time.