Anthony Joshua's Driver Charged in Fatal Crash
Anthony Joshua’s driver attempted an overtake moments before ploughing into a stationary lorry in the crash that killed two of the heavyweight’s closest friends, a Nigerian court has been told.
Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami – Joshua’s long-time personal trainer and strength coach – died at the scene on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Ogun State, on December 29. Joshua survived and was taken to hospital.
Court hears details of fatal journey
In court, prosecutors alleged that the driver, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, tried to overtake a moving truck before smashing into a lorry parked by the roadside. Kayode stands accused of causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid licence. He denies both charges.
Joshua, Ayodele and Ghami had been travelling to visit the former unified heavyweight champion’s father in Ogun, just days after Joshua stopped Jake Paul in a high-profile bout in Miami. The court heard that the group had been asleep in the vehicle when Kayode lost control.
The impact killed Ayodele and Ghami instantly. Joshua was rushed to hospital, the court was told, while the wrecked vehicles disappeared from the scene before traffic officers arrived.
Stationary lorry driver also charged
The driver of the parked lorry, 35-year-old Abubakar Adamu, is also facing prosecution. He has been charged with obstructing the free flow of traffic, an accusation he denies.
Inspector Christopher Ajayi Taiwo of the Ogun State Motor Traffic Division told the court that by the time law enforcement reached the crash site, neither vehicle involved remained there. Officers instead recovered a logbook, painkillers and an energy drink near the driver’s side.
One detail drew sharp focus in the courtroom: local police have still not taken a statement from Joshua. When Kayode’s lawyer pressed Inspector Ajayi on why the boxer had not been interviewed, the officer replied that he “didn’t have his number”.
The hearing has been adjourned until September 10, with both men maintaining their innocence as the case moves on.
Grief that still follows Joshua into the ring
The crash has cast a long shadow over Joshua’s career and his corner. In July, after his victory over Kristian Prenga, the heavyweight broke down in tears as he tried to pay tribute to Ayodele and Ghami in the ring.
A month earlier, he had spoken publicly about his determination to look after the families of the two men who had helped shape his career, vowing to support their loved ones and preserve their legacy.
The legal process will now run its course in Ogun State. For Joshua, the court case is a stark reminder that away from the bright lights and sold-out arenas, the loss from that December journey has not gone anywhere.
