After over two months of diplomatic efforts, the remains of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju, known as “Success,” are finally expected to arrive in Nigeria next week, confirmed by the NBBofC

Segun Olanrewaju Repatriation efforts have reached a significant breakthrough, with the remains of the Nigerian boxer, popularly known as “Success,” now expected to arrive back in Nigeria next week.

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This confirmation comes from Rafiu Ladipo, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), following over two months of intricate legal, diplomatic, and procedural efforts to repatriate his body from Ghana.

Ladipo assured that the long-awaited return of Olanrewaju’s remains is now imminent, a result of extensive negotiations and cooperation between Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities.

“I can assure you, latest by next week, the body will be brought back. I don’t know what particular day,” Ladipo stated, highlighting the final stages of a protracted and emotionally charged process for the boxer’s family and the wider Nigerian boxing community.

Olanrewaju tragically collapsed in the ring during a fight with Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu on 29 March at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Bukoum, Accra, and was pronounced dead shortly after at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

His untimely death sent ripples of grief across Nigeria and brought intense scrutiny upon safety protocols within Ghana’s boxing scene. Subsequent investigations have since revealed serious regulatory failures by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).

The delay in repatriating the boxer’s body was primarily attributed to legal requirements necessitated by the circumstances of his death. Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, had previously explained that a coroner’s report was crucial before the evacuation process could proceed. “The body was not detained for no reason.

In the circumstances of his death, the coroner act is invoked and the report of the coroner is needed to carry on with the burial or evacuation process,” Adams told The press in May. “That report delayed the investigations committee work but finally they had it and submitted their report. The Ghana and Nigerian boxing authorities are now cleared to evacuate the remains of the late boxer.”

A seven-member government-appointed committee, chaired by Ambassador Major (retd.) Amarkai Amarteifio, conducted a comprehensive investigation into Olanrewaju’s death.

The committee interviewed 30 individuals connected to the case and produced a detailed 100-page report. Their findings revealed that pathological examinations uncovered pre-existing cardiovascular issues that contributed to the tragic incident.

Veteran journalist and boxing expert Ekow Asmah, a member of the investigative committee, disclosed that the boxer had an enlarged heart, a condition not uncommon among athletes.

“The pathologist was able to diagnose the death of the boxer in specific detail and we realised that he had a pre-existing condition – an enlarged heart which is common for most athletes – but as to what triggered the pre-existing condition, it’s not ascertainable after all the scientific tests,” Asmah explained.

More damning were the committee’s findings regarding the Ghana Boxing Authority’s handling of the event and their compliance with fundamental safety protocols.

The investigation unequivocally revealed that the GBA was operating without proper licensing and had failed to ensure adequate medical supervision was present at the bout.

“The GBA doesn’t have a doctor. And when there’s no doctor, there should be no fight. Segun Olanrewaju didn’t do the mandatory medical examination before fighting,” Asmah revealed, adding a shocking detail:

“The GBA had no doctor when Segun Olanrewaju collapsed. The young man wearing a lab coat who entered the ring wasn’t a doctor. He was clearly an imposter.”

The committee has recommended that Ghana should assume full responsibility for repatriating Olanrewaju’s remains to Nigeria and cover all funeral and burial expenses, underscoring Ghana’s commitment to solidarity and respect for African unity.

The NBBofC has also formally requested a copy of the committee’s comprehensive report be sent to Nigeria.