The driver facing charges over the road accident that injured heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua and claimed the lives of two of his close associates appeared before a Nigerian court on Tuesday, amid questions from the boxer’s family over whether pursuing the case was necessary.
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was behind the wheel when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, slammed into a stationary truck along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The incident occurred on December 29 and resulted in the deaths of Ayodele and Ghami, while Joshua and the driver sustained minor injuries.
Kayode is facing several charges, including reckless driving and driving without a valid licence. He arrived at the Magistrate Court in Sagamu, Ogun State, wearing black trousers and a hoodie, appearing subdued as he avoided journalists gathered outside the courtroom.
Speaking to AFP at the Joshua family home, the boxer’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, expressed mixed feelings about the trial. “We are very lucky that our son didn’t die. But taking this man to court is something we don’t see any reason for,” he said. “This is my own personal opinion that the trial is not really worth it. Because we think accidents can happen anywhere in the world.”
However, he acknowledged public pressure within the local community, noting that “we sense the opinion of the people of the town” is that “this man must be prosecuted. That he was overspeeding.”
Following the crash, Ogun State’s Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency disclosed that preliminary findings suggested the vehicle was travelling at excessive speed before suffering a tyre burst, which led to the collision with the parked truck.
Kayode’s appearance in court was brief, as the presiding magistrate adjourned proceedings until February 25 after prosecutors requested additional time. His lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, later told reporters that he accepted the adjournment “in the interest of justice.”
Authorities confirmed that Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene, while Joshua and Kayode escaped with minor injuries. Ghami was widely known as Joshua’s long-serving strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele served as his personal trainer and close confidant.
Adedamola Joshua also revealed that Kayode had been driving for his nephew for three years without any prior complaints. Joshua, a British citizen of Nigerian descent, is said to visit southwest Nigeria frequently to spend time with friends and relatives.
What you should know
Anthony Joshua is a former two-time world heavyweight boxing champion and one of the most recognisable figures in global boxing.
The fatal accident in Ogun State claimed the lives of two key members of his inner circle, sending shockwaves through the international boxing community. In Nigeria, road traffic offences causing death are treated as serious criminal matters, often prosecuted regardless of the victim’s family stance.
The case has sparked debate between public calls for accountability and the Joshua family’s view that the incident was an unfortunate accident rather than an intentional act.
