Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has reportedly returned to the United Kingdom following a fatal road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close associates.
According to reports by The Sun, the British boxer arrived at London’s Stansted Airport on Friday evening aboard a private jet.
His return followed developments in Nigeria where authorities charged the driver involved in the crash, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, aged 46, with “dangerous driving causing death.” Kayode is expected to appear in court on January 20.
The incident occurred on Monday along the busy Lagos–Ibadan expressway in southwest Nigeria. Kayode was driving Joshua alongside Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami when their Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck on the highway.
Nigerian police and Ogun State officials confirmed that Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene, while Joshua and the driver sustained only minor injuries.
Joshua was taken to hospital after the crash and was discharged on Wednesday. Ghami was described by British media as Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele served as his personal trainer.
Reports indicate that the 36-year-old boxer returned to Britain ahead of the funerals of Ghami and Ayodele. Joshua, who won Olympic gold in 2012 and has family roots in Nigeria, had been on holiday in the country following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
What you should know
Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal road accident in Ogun State, Nigeria, while on holiday after his December 19 win over Jake Paul.
The crash killed two key members of his team, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was discharged from hospital days later. Nigerian authorities have charged the driver with “dangerous driving causing death,” with court proceedings scheduled for January 20.
Joshua has since returned to the UK, reportedly ahead of funeral arrangements for his late coach and trainer.
