Nigerian police have formally charged the driver of former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua following a devastating high-speed crash that claimed the lives of two members of the boxer's team.
Charges Laid After Tragic Collision
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, faces multiple charges including dangerous driving, driving without a valid licence, and driving without due care and attention causing bodily harm and property damage. He is scheduled to appear in court on 20 January. The Federal Road Safety Corps in Nigeria stated that the vehicle was believed to be travelling "beyond the legally prescribed speed limit" at the time of the incident.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The accident occurred on 29 December on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway in south-west Nigeria. Kayode was driving Joshua, his personal trainer Latif Ayodele, and strength coach Sina Gham in a Lexus SUV. According to reports, the vehicle was travelling at high speed when it suffered a tyre burst on the passenger side while attempting an overtake.
The Lexus then collided with a stationary lorry carrying soya beans, which was illegally parked on the hard shoulder approximately 30 miles from Lagos. Both Ayodele and Gham, aged 36, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Joshua and his driver survived with minor injuries. Kayode was taken to Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi for observation for two days. Despite being granted bail set at 5 million Naira (approximately £2,580), the longstanding member of Joshua's team remains in custody pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
Later on the day of the crash, Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home to pay their respects to his deceased friends. The Ogun state government confirmed that Joshua and another passenger were evacuated to a specialised medical facility in Lagos, where doctors found them stable and not in need of emergency intervention.
The tragedy struck just ten days after Joshua celebrated his victory over YouTuber Jake Paul in the United States. Prior to the crash, the former champion was believed to be preparing for a return to the ring early this year.
