Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad survived an assassination attempt
Reports circulating on social media and some regional outlets suggesting that former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was assassinated—allegedly by Israeli intelligence—are false, according to multiple official and independent sources.
Ahmadinejad, who served as Iran’s president from 2005 to 2013, was reportedly the target of an attempted assassination in Tehran.
According to preliminary information, members of his security detail identified sabotage to his vehicle and were able to intervene in time to prevent what could have been a deadly attack.
He was traveling with his wife and two sons at the time.
All are reportedly unharmed.
Rumors quickly escalated following a reported Israeli airstrike in central Tehran, which was followed by a series of underground explosions.
These events sparked intense speculation that Ahmadinejad had been killed in an underground facility as part of a targeted operation by Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.
Several unverified claims even suggested he, along with his family, had been killed at point-blank range in their car.
However, Iranian officials have not confirmed any such assassination, and no credible evidence has been presented to support claims that Ahmadinejad was eliminated in a targeted strike.
Official Iranian media have not reported his death, and no statement has been released by his family or office.
The situation in Tehran remains tense amid increasing hostilities between Iran and Israel, marked by a series of alleged airstrikes and retaliatory operations.
While Israeli military actions in the region have intensified, there has been no official confirmation linking any specific operation to an attempt on Ahmadinejad’s life.
The United States is closely monitoring developments, with analysts warning that the regional conflict may escalate further in the coming days.
Authorities continue to investigate the attempted sabotage of Ahmadinejad’s vehicle, while intelligence agencies assess the broader implications of recent strikes in Tehran.
As of now, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is alive, and reports of his assassination remain unsubstantiated.
SAGAMU, Ogun State, Nigeria — The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the fatal motor vehicle collision that injured British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two passengers, has been formally charged in court.
Police officials stated that Kayode, 46, was arraigned on Thursday, January 2, 2026, before the Sagamu Magistrate Court, where he faces charges of reckless and dangerous driving.
The case has been adjourned until January 20, 2026, for further proceedings.
According to police, the crash occurred earlier in the week along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a major highway in southwestern Nigeria.
The Lexus SUV was transporting Anthony Joshua and two of his close associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when it collided with a stationary truck parked along the roadway.
Both Ayodele and Ghami sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that the defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million (approximately $3,480 USD), with two sureties, and was remanded in custody pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated in a public update that the arraignment followed a comprehensive preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
Authorities emphasized that investigations remain ongoing.
Anthony Joshua, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, survived the crash but reportedly suffered significant emotional trauma as a result of the incident.
Ayodele and Ghami were described as long-time friends, training partners, and key members of Joshua’s professional support team, regularly accompanying him before, during, and after major fights.
Ayodele was notably present ringside during Joshua’s recent bout, where he was seen holding the Nigerian flag.
The remains of the two deceased men were transported to a mortuary in Sagamu.
Both were reported to be Muslims, and arrangements for burial in accordance with Islamic rites are pending. Officials have not yet confirmed when their bodies will be repatriated to the United Kingdom.
Authorities have also renewed calls for improved road safety enforcement, particularly concerning the illegal and prolonged parking of heavy-duty trucks along highways, which has been cited as a recurring hazard on Nigerian roads.
The Ogun State Police Command urged motorists to exercise caution, adhere strictly to speed limits, and ensure proper judgment when overtaking or maneuvering on highways.
Further updates are expected as the case proceeds through the court system.