The remains of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju are set to arrive in Nigeria next week, as confirmed by the President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), following months of legal, diplomatic, and procedural efforts to repatriate his body from Ghana.
NBBofC President Rafiu Ladipo reassured that the long-awaited return of Olanrewaju’s remains is imminent, after extensive negotiations between Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities.
“I can assure you, latest by next week, the body will be brought back. I don’t know the exact day,” Ladipo said.
He spoke about the significant efforts by Nigerian authorities to ensure Olanrewaju’s remains are returned with dignity, marking the end of a lengthy and emotional process for the boxer’s family and the Nigerian boxing community.
Olanrewaju, known as “Success,” collapsed in the ring during a fight against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu on 29 March at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Accra, Ghana. He was later pronounced dead at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
His tragic death prompted widespread mourning in Nigeria and increased scrutiny over safety protocols in Ghana’s boxing scene. Investigations uncovered major regulatory failures by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).
The delay in repatriating Olanrewaju’s body was due to legal processes that needed to be fulfilled after the circumstances of his death. Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, had earlier explained that a coroner’s report was required before the repatriation could proceed.
“The body was not detained without reason. In the circumstances of his death, the coroner’s report was needed for the burial or evacuation process,” Adams told The PUNCH in May. “That report delayed the investigations, but finally, they had it and submitted their findings. The boxing authorities in both Ghana and Nigeria are now cleared to bring the remains of the late boxer.”
A government-appointed seven-member committee, led by Ambassador Major (retd.) Amarkai Amarteifio, conducted a thorough investigation into Olanrewaju’s death. They interviewed 30 individuals involved in the case and produced a detailed 100-page report.
The investigation found that Olanrewaju had a pre-existing cardiovascular condition—an enlarged heart—common among athletes. However, the specific cause of death remains unclear, even after extensive scientific testing.
The committee also revealed severe lapses in the Ghana Boxing Authority’s handling of the event. It was disclosed that the GBA lacked proper licensing and did not provide adequate medical supervision for the fight.
“The GBA didn’t have a doctor. And without a doctor, there should have been no fight. Segun Olanrewaju didn’t do the mandatory medical examination before the bout,” said Ekow Asmah, a veteran journalist and part of the investigative team. “The young man who entered the ring wearing a lab coat wasn’t a doctor. He was an imposter.”
The committee recommended that Ghana take full responsibility for repatriating Olanrewaju’s remains and cover all funeral and burial costs. This would demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to African unity and solidarity. The NBBofC has also requested a copy of the committee’s report to be sent to Nigeria.
