The driver involved in the car crash that killed two members of Anthony Joshua’s training team and injured the former heavyweight champion has been formally charged in Nigeria.
On Dec. 29, 2025, a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and several of his team members collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, a highway notorious for serious accidents. Two of Joshua’s close associates — Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele — died at the scene. Joshua, 36, was hospitalized but later discharged after being declared fit to recuperate at home.
Driver Faces Four Charges
On Jan. 2, 2026, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court, where he was charged with four offences related to the crash:
- Dangerous driving causing death
- Reckless and negligent driving
- Driving without due care and attention — causing bodily harm and damage to property
- Driving without a valid national driver’s license
Kayode denied all charges when they were read in court. He was granted bail set at 5,000,000 Naira (approximately $3,480 USD) and remanded in custody until his bail conditions are met. The case has been adjourned to Jan. 20, 2026, for trial.
Crash Details and Preliminary Findings
According to early investigatory reports, the SUV was travelling at high speed when a front passenger-side tyre burst during an overtaking manoeuvre. The sudden tyre failure caused the driver to lose control and crash into a stationary truck parked on the hard shoulder of the expressway.
Local authorities have said the vehicle was “moving beyond the legally prescribed speed limit” at the time of the collision. Nigerian police and the Federal Road Safety Corps are continuing their investigation into the events leading up to the crash.
Joshua and the Team
Joshua was travelling with members of his training crew, including Ghami and Ayodele, who were part of his support group during a holiday in Nigeria. The boxer had flown to his country of heritage after his December 19 fight in Miami, where he scored a sixth-round knockout over Jake Paul in a high-profile match broadcast on Netflix.
Despite the severity of the impact, Joshua did not sustain major injuries and was discharged from hospital after initial treatment and assessment.
Courtroom and Defence Statements
Kayode’s arraignment in Sagamu was reported to be emotional, with family members present. The driver, described as a long-time member of Joshua’s support staff, pleaded not guilty and attributed the crash to a possible brake failure, according to statements made by his legal representatives during the hearing.
A defence lawyer told media outlets that Kayode maintained his innocence and claimed the accident was the result of mechanical failure rather than negligent conduct.
Kayode’s son also spoke outside the courtroom, expressing disbelief at the charges and insisting his father was a careful driver. Others attending the hearing conveyed sympathy for the loss of life and expressed support for due process.
Next Steps in the Case
The magistrate set the next hearing date for January 20, 2026, when the trial process will begin. Kayode remains in custody while his bail conditions are completed.
Police officials have urged caution in drawing conclusions before the court proceedings, reaffirming the ongoing nature of the investigation.
