World
Man who disarmed Sydney Bondi Beach attacker identified 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed
Authorities have identified the civilian who intervened during the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney as Ahmed Al Ahmed, 43, whose actions are being widely credited with preventing further loss of life.
Police confirmed that Al Ahmed confronted and disarmed one of the attackers during the chaos, despite being shot twice in the process.
He was transported to a hospital for treatment and is expected to recover, officials said.
The intervention occurred amid a mass shooting during a “Chanukah by the Sea” Hanukkah event on Sunday evening, which authorities are investigating as a suspected terror attack.
According to NSW Police, two gunmen opened fire on the crowded beachfront gathering shortly after 6:40 p.m., triggering panic as hundreds of attendees fled the area.
Officials report that dozens of shots were fired.
Video footage reviewed by investigators appears to show two individuals dressed in black firing what looked like shotgun-style weapons from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club.
Police later confirmed that at least 10 people were killed, with some briefings citing up to 12 fatalities as victim identification continues.
More than 11 people were injured, several critically. One suspect was killed at the scene, and another remains hospitalized in critical condition.
One of the suspected attackers has been identified as Naveed Akram, 24, as investigators work to determine motive and whether the attack was coordinated with others.
Authorities have described the incident as an antisemitic assault targeting a religious celebration.
The attack drew swift condemnation and expressions of condolence from leaders in Australia and abroad.
International reaction included criticism of the timing of an earlier social media post by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had shared Hanukkah greetings shortly before news of the attack broke; he later issued condolences.
Australian officials and Israel’s president publicly mourned the victims and praised the bravery of first responders and civilians who acted to protect others.
Police have increased security measures across Sydney and continue to urge the public to avoid the immediate area while the investigation remains active.
Further updates are expected as authorities release confirmed casualty figures and additional details regarding the suspects and circumstances of the attack.
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.