Joshua
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the Federal Government to direct the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to ensure the safety of motorists and other road users in Nigeria in accordance with the provisions of the FRSC Act.
British Nigeria
Falana made the call in a statement on Tuesday following the fatal road accident involving British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua, on the Sagamu-Lagos Expressway on Monday, December 29, 2025, which claimed the lives of two members of his team.
Sina Ghami Latif
The two men who lost their lives were identified as Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, the boxer’s promoter. According to reports, Joshua is in a stable condition in an undisclosed hospital and will remain there for observation.Falana noted that while the FRSC has attributed the accident to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, the agency cannot afford to absolve itself of responsibility.
Pontius pilate
“While the FRSC may be faulted in its assessment, the body cannot afford to wash off its hands like Pontius Pilate,” Falana said.The senior lawyer decried the failure of the police to cordon off the scene of the tragic crash, noting that many onlookers took pictures of Joshua while he was reeling in pain. The pictures were subsequently circulated on social media without regard to Joshua’s fundamental right to privacy.Falana observed that the fatal road accident has drawn attention to the state of Nigerian roads, the total disregard for speed limits by motorists, as well as the lack of ambulances and non-availability of medical facilities on the highways.
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Federal Road
He outlined the statutory functions of the FRSC under Section 10 of the Federal Road Safety Commission Act, stating that the agency is responsible for enforcing all traffic laws, managing road safety operations, and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic in Nigeria.According to Falana, the FRSC is statutorily mandated to recommend works and devices designed to eliminate and minimize accidents on the highways; make the highway safe for motorists and other road users; determine and enforce speed limits for all categories of roads and vehicles; and clear obstructions on any part of the highways.
Vehicle Carry
Other functions, he noted, include ensuring that all vehicles carry caution signs to be used when a vehicle breaks down on the highway; preventing or minimizing accidents on the highways; providing roadside and mobile clinics for the treatment of accident victims free of charge; and giving prompt attention and care to victims of accidents.While acknowledging that President Bola Tinubu has conveyed the condolences of Nigerians to Joshua and the families of his friends who were killed in the accident, Falana urged the Federal Government to take urgent action.
Final Thought
Falana’s remarks call attention to the need for greater responsibility and respect for human dignity during emergencies, stressing that authorities must protect citizens’ rights — including privacy — while also ensuring transparency and accountability in their actions.