World
One Victim Killed in Car-Ramming Attack at Lapu Lapu Festival Identified as Rizza Azzir
Authorities have identified one of the victims killed in the devastating car-ramming attack at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival as Rizza Azzir.
The suspect, a 30-year-old man from Vancouver, remains in custody. Officials have confirmed that, at this time, the incident is not being treated as an act of terrorism.
According to Vancouver Police, the attack resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, with dozens more injured.
Patients have been transported to nine different hospitals across the region, and authorities warn that the death toll may continue to rise in the coming days and weeks.
The suspect, whose name has not been officially released in this statement, has a significant criminal history, with over 60 prior police interactions.
The tragic incident unfolded just after 8:00 p.m. PT on Saturday, near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street, where the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party was concluding after drawing up to 100,000 attendees throughout the day.
Interim Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai confirmed that the driver of a black SUV drove into the crowd, causing mass casualties.
Speaking Sunday morning, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed the nation’s sorrow, stating that more than 20 individuals were injured.
He described the event as a time meant for joy and community celebration, which was instead marked by horrific violence. “Canadians are heartbroken at what police are describing as a car-ramming attack,” Carney said. He further extended condolences to the families of those killed and injured, later posting on social media that he was “devastated to hear about the horrific events” in Vancouver.
Following the attack, Vancouver Coastal Health declared a “code orange,” signaling a mass casualty event. While initial reports confirmed nine fatalities, updated figures early Sunday morning revised that number to 11.
The Lapu Lapu Day Festival honors the legacy of Lapu-Lapu, a Filipino hero and Indigenous resistance fighter who opposed Spanish colonization in the 16th century.
Saturday marked the second annual celebration of the event in Vancouver, emphasizing the Filipino-Canadian community’s enduring contributions and the spirit of bayanihan — collective community effort.
British Columbia’s Filipino community is the third-largest cultural group in the province, following South Asian and Chinese populations.
Statistics Canada reports that more than 174,000 individuals of Filipino descent live in B.C., comprising approximately 3.5 percent of the province’s total population.
The investigation into the attack remains active, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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.