The driver of boxing champion Anthony Joshua, 47-year-old Adeniyi Kayode, now faces the prospect of a life sentence after a tragic road accident in Nigeria last week claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close associates.
The fatal crash occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway when Kayode, behind the wheel of a black Lexus SUV, collided with the rear of a stationary truck carrying soybeans. The truck was reportedly parked illegally on one of Nigeria’s most dangerous highways. The impact killed Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and personal trainer Latif Ayodele, both aged 36, instantly, while severely damaging the side of the vehicle.
Joshua, 36, narrowly escaped after switching seats with Ayodele shortly before departure, traveling from Lagos to Sagamu, where he has family. Kayode and Joshua suffered only minor injuries.
Following the accident, Kayode appeared in a Sagamu magistrate’s court on Friday, facing multiple charges including dangerous driving resulting in death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without a license, and causing bodily harm and property damage. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.
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Authorities are still searching for the driver of the truck involved in the crash. Kayode, a father of three who has been Joshua’s driver for over three years, was granted bail but remained in custody until a 5 million Naira (£2,500) bond was posted, securing his release yesterday.
Speaking to newsmen after the hearing, Kayode’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, said his client pleaded not guilty and claimed the crash was accidental. “I haven’t had a chance to discuss everything with him yet, but he says the brakes failed,” Abiodun said. He added that Joshua had initially been seated in the front, but moved for better visibility, placing Ayodele there instead.
Outside the court, Kayode’s family expressed shock. His wife was too emotional to speak, while their son insisted that the accident was tragic but unintentional, emphasizing his father’s innocence.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the Nigerian sports community, highlighting ongoing safety concerns on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, which has long been notorious for deadly accidents. Joshua has since returned to the UK following the tragedy.
