Anthony Joshua’s long-time driver has appeared in a Nigerian court over a fatal crash that killed two of the boxer’s close friends and left the former heavyweight champion with minor injuries.[bbc]
What happened in the crash
On 29 December, a black Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and members of his team struck a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu in southwestern Nigeria.[ca.news.yahoo]
Two of Joshua’s closest colleagues, strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and trainer Latif Ayodele, were pronounced dead at the scene, while Joshua and the driver survived with minor injuries.[timesofindia.indiatimes]
Joshua, who has strong family ties to Sagamu, was reportedly travelling to visit relatives for New Year celebrations at the time of the collision. He was discharged from hospital a few days later but later posted an emotional tribute to his friends on Instagram, calling them “great men” and saying the loss was even harder for their parents.[bbc]
Driver’s identity and charges
The driver has been named as 46‑year‑old chauffeur Adeniyi (Mobolaji) Kayode, who was behind the wheel of the SUV when it crashed into the parked truck.[news.sky]
Kayode faces four counts: causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and operating a vehicle without a valid national driver’s licence.[skysports]
Prosecutors allege that Kayode did not hold a valid driver’s licence at the time and that his actions on one of Nigeria’s most notoriously dangerous roads amounted to a criminal disregard for safety. His lawyer has indicated he will contest the charges, claiming the vehicle’s brakes failed before impact.[gbnews]
First court appearance
Kayode appeared on Tuesday at Sagamu Magistrates Court in Ogun State, dressed in a black hoodie and trousers, and spoke little during the short hearing.[ca.news.yahoo]
The magistrate granted him bail of around 5 million naira (approximately £2,600 or 3,500 US dollars), continuing conditions first set shortly after the crash.[bbc]
At the prosecution’s request, the court adjourned the case until 25 February to allow more time to seek legal advice and prepare the file. Footage from outside the courtroom showed Kayode looking visibly distressed as he left, comforted by associates.[news.sky]
The victims and Joshua’s grief
Ghami and Ayodele were more than colleagues to Joshua: Ghami oversaw his physical conditioning, while Ayodele worked as a personal trainer and was described by those close to the boxer as being like a “twin brother.”[timesofindia.indiatimes]
Both men were in their mid‑30s and died instantly when the impact tore through the side of the SUV.[nzherald.co]
Joshua, a two‑time world heavyweight champion and British‑Nigerian star, has been mourning privately with his family while also acknowledging the outpouring of public support. In his message, he stressed his focus on the families of Ghami and Ayodele, asking for prayers for the parents who lost their sons.[ca.news.yahoo]
What comes next in the case
The adjournment means formal trial proceedings will not resume until at least late February, when prosecutors are expected to set out their evidence in greater detail.[skysports]
If convicted of dangerous driving causing death, Kayode could face a lengthy prison sentence under Nigerian traffic and criminal laws, though the exact term would depend on the court’s final findings and any mitigating factors.[timesofindia.indiatimes]
For Joshua and the families of Ghami and Ayodele, the court process is just one part of coping with a tragedy that has altered their lives. As legal arguments unfold, the crash continues to resonate in both Nigeria and the boxing world, where tributes to the two men have highlighted their quiet but crucial roles in Joshua’s career.[gbnews]
