Bystanders at the scene of the recent car crash involving former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, reportedly stole his mobile phone while recording videos instead of helping victims, a member of the boxer’s family has said.
Adedamola Joshua, an uncle of the boxer, disclosed this in an interview on Friday while speaking on the accident that claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s friends shortly after they arrived in Nigeria for the Christmas holidays.
According to him, the family was thrown into shock when news of the crash filtered in around 1pm on the day of the incident, describing it as an experience that felt “impossible” at first.
He said the boxer had only arrived in the country about six hours earlier and was on his way to Sagamu, Ogun State, to spend time with his family when the crash occurred.
Joshua’s uncle lamented the conduct of some bystanders at the accident scene, accusing them of prioritising video recordings and theft over rescue efforts.
“Some people were busy making videos and even stealing from the victims. We even heard that Anthony Joshua’s phone was stolen. That is not right and such behaviour must be discouraged,” he said.
He also criticised the state of emergency response in the country, describing it as inadequate, and expressed concern that Joshua was seen crossing the road unaided after the crash instead of being evacuated on a stretcher.
Calling for improved emergency preparedness, he urged the government to station ambulances along accident-prone highways and intensify public enlightenment on emergency toll-free numbers.
Despite these concerns, he acknowledged the intervention of the Ogun and Lagos state governments, noting that Governors Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu ensured Joshua received prompt medical care. He also said President Bola Tinubu had reached out to the boxer and his parents to express support.
Joshua’s uncle confirmed that the boxer has since been discharged from hospital, saying the family was relieved but deeply saddened by the loss of his two friends.
“The joy would have been complete if his friends had survived. Their deaths have cast a shadow on our celebrations,” he said.
He added that the tragedy could affect Joshua emotionally and possibly discourage him from visiting Nigeria in the future, though he prayed the boxer would emerge stronger.
The family also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for strength to cope with the loss. /First reported by Punch