A fresh report by the Daily Mail has claimed that former heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, narrowly escaped death after changing seats inside his SUV moments before the fatal crash that killed Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, just hours after they arrived in Nigeria for a holiday.
According to the report, Joshua initially sat in the front seat of the vehicle but later moved to the back shortly before the collision. The crash claimed the lives of Ghami and Ayodele and left the boxer injured.
The report further alleged that Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, did not possess a valid driver’s licence at the time of the incident. Kayode has since been charged by the Ogun State Police Command on a four-count allegation arising from the crash.
The revelation reportedly surfaced during Kayode’s arraignment on Friday at the Sagamu High Court, where the 47-year-old denied all charges, including dangerous driving. He was said to be dressed in a black Muslim kaftan as the charges were read to him in court, with members of his family in attendance.
Kayode pleaded not guilty and claimed the incident was caused by brake failure. He was subsequently granted bail and escorted by police to the Sagamu Correctional Centre for the completion of bail documentation.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Kayode’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, said, “My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident. I haven’t had a full chance to speak with him yet, but I know he is saying the brakes did not work.”
Abiodun further explained the seating arrangement inside the vehicle, stating, “I also understand that the journey started in Lagos and that initially Anthony had got into the front seat, but the driver asked him to swap seats.
“He did this because Anthony is a big fellow, and he couldn’t see the wing mirror properly, so he asked him to move, and he sat behind the driver.
“From what I understand, Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony.”
The court granted Kayode bail in the sum of ₦5,000,000 with two sureties. He is facing four charges, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid driver’s licence. The case was adjourned to 20 January for trial.
The report added that Anthony Joshua has since returned to the United Kingdom and is recovering at home. The funerals of his strength coach, Sina Ghami, and personal trainer, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, are scheduled to take place on Sunday, 4 January, at the London Central Mosque.
Joshua reportedly arrived at London Stansted Airport on Friday night and is recuperating at his mansion, although it remains unclear whether he will attend the funeral service.
What you should know
The Daily Mail report suggests that a last-minute seat change may have saved Anthony Joshua’s life in the fatal Lagos crash that killed two close members of his team.
The driver of the vehicle is currently facing multiple charges, including driving without a valid licence and dangerous driving causing death.
While Joshua has returned to the UK to recover, legal proceedings surrounding the crash are ongoing, with the trial scheduled for later in January.
