Driver Charged After Fatal Crash Involving Anthony Joshua's Team

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Nigerian authorities have officially charged the driver linked to a road incident that left British boxing champion Anthony Joshua injured and took the lives of two significant team members.

Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was charged on Friday at the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State. Police reports indicate that the charges include causing death through reckless driving among other serious traffic violations.

The tragic event transpired on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a prominent route in south-western Nigeria, when the Lexus SUV transporting Joshua and his team collided with a parked truck.

Both Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami, were declared dead at the scene. Joshua, who was a passenger, suffered injuries and was immediately hospitalized but was discharged on Wednesday.

According to law enforcement sources, four charges have been brought against Kayode:

• Causing death by dangerous driving

• Reckless and negligent driving

• Driving without due care and attention

• Driving without a valid driver's license

The court has granted bail to the driver set at ₦5 million (approximately £2,578), but he remains in custody until all bail conditions are satisfied. The case is set to resume on 20 January.

Images released by Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps displayed the severely damaged black SUV at the accident site, surrounded by emergency personnel and onlookers.

Officials from Ogun and Lagos states issued a joint statement noting Joshua’s profound sorrow over the deaths of his close friends and longtime team members.

Following his hospital release, Joshua visited the funeral home where the bodies of Ayodele and Ghami were prepared for repatriation.

Just prior to the accident, Joshua had posted a video on Instagram playing table tennis with Ayodele, sparking emotional reactions from fans around the globe.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, honored their memory on social media, commending their unwavering loyalty and positive spirit, and expressed condolences for their families while supporting Joshua during this challenging period.

Originally from Watford, Joshua has deep family roots in Sagamu, the locality near where the accident occurred. A family member mentioned he was on his way to celebrate the New Year with relatives.

Following a recent victory over Jake Paul on 19 December, Joshua had been in Nigeria. Paul also extended his sympathies, emphasizing that life takes precedence over boxing while praying for all those impacted by the tragedy.