SAGAMU, Nigeria — The driver involved in the car crash that injured former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and killed two of his close team members has been formally charged in court.
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared at the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court on Friday, facing four charges: causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid licence. He was granted bail of ₦5 million (£2,578) but remains remanded until bail conditions are met. The case has been adjourned until January 20, 2026.
The Crash
The accident occurred on Monday, December 29, along the busy Lagos–Ibadan expressway in Ogun State. Joshua, 36, was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck. His personal trainer Latif Ayodele and strength coach Sina Ghami were pronounced dead at the scene. Joshua was taken to hospital with injuries but discharged two days later.
Images released by Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps showed the wreckage of the SUV surrounded by emergency responders. Ogun and Lagos state officials later confirmed Joshua was “heavy‑hearted” over the deaths of his friends and had visited the funeral home where their bodies were being prepared for repatriation.
Tributes
Joshua’s long‑time promoter Eddie Hearn paid tribute on Instagram: “Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed.”
Just hours before the crash, Joshua had posted a video of himself playing table tennis with Ayodele.
Fellow boxer Jake Paul, whom Joshua defeated on December 19, also expressed condolences: “Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”
Family Roots
Joshua, born in Watford, UK, has strong family ties to Sagamu, near the crash site. He was reportedly travelling to visit relatives for New Year celebrations at the time of the accident.
Wider Context
Nigeria’s Lagos–Ibadan expressway is one of the country’s busiest and most dangerous highways, with frequent accidents involving heavy trucks and passenger vehicles. Road safety authorities have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better infrastructure to reduce fatalities.