The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has confirmed that a committee will be established to investigate the tragic death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who passed away after a match at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Olanrewaju collapsed during his bout with Ghana’s John Mbanugu on March 29, 2025, and was rushed to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Minister Adams revealed that conflicting reports have surfaced regarding the circumstances surrounding Olanrewaju’s collapse, particularly concerning his weight before the fight.
Both the Nigeria Boxing Board Control (NBBC) and the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) have provided differing accounts, prompting the government to launch an independent investigation.
He emphasized that the investigation will determine whether proper protocols were followed in sanctioning the fight and whether ringside procedures, including the presence of paramedics, were adhered to.
“We will establish a committee to investigate what happened. I have assured everyone that nothing will be covered up. We will speak to both Nigerian and Ghanaian sides and hope for full cooperation,” Adams stated.
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