The driver of the vehicle involved in the high-speed collision that injured former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and killed two of his closest associates was formally charged in a Nigerian court on Friday. Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrate Court in Ogun State to face four counts, including causing death by dangerous driving and operating a vehicle without a valid licence.
The legal proceedings follow a devastating accident on Monday, December 29, 2025, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. According to the Ogun State Police Command and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his team was travelling at excessive speed when it attempted a wrongful overtaking manoeuvre. A tyre burst during the high-speed transit, causing Kayode to lose control and ram the vehicle into a stationary truck parked along the corridor.
The crash claimed the lives of Sina Ghami, Joshua’s long-term strength and conditioning coach, and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, his personal trainer. Both men were described by Joshua's representatives as "integral members" of his inner circle who had been with the boxer since the early stages of his professional career. Ghami was also a co-founder of Evolve Gym in London and a respected sports rehabilitator who worked with athletes across the NFL and NBA.
Anthony Joshua, 36, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, survived the impact with minor injuries. He was rushed to a local hospital for observation and was discharged on Wednesday.
During the Friday arraignment, Magistrate Court officials granted Kayode bail set at ₦5,000,000 with two sureties. He remains in custody pending the fulfilment of those bail conditions. The prosecution’s case rests on preliminary findings that suggest the vehicle was "travelling significantly above the 100 km/h speed limit" at the time of the impact. Police are also reportedly searching for the driver of the stationary truck, which was allegedly parked illegally on the highway.
As the investigation continues, the court has adjourned the case until January 20, 2026. Joshua and his mother have reportedly paid their respects at the funeral home where the victims were being prepared for repatriation to the United Kingdom.
