The driver involved in a December vehicle collision that resulted in minor injuries to British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and claimed the lives of two of his companions has been formally charged with multiple offenses. Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrates Court in Nigeria’s Ogun state on Tuesday facing four criminal counts including dangerous driving causing death and operating a vehicle without a valid national driver’s license.
The incident occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the Lexus SUV driven by Kayode collided with a stationary truck. Official investigations determined excessive speed as a contributing factor in the crash that killed Joshua’s close associates Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
Kayode, who wore a black hoodie and trousers during court proceedings, had previously been granted bail in early January set at 5 million naira (approximately $3,480). The case has now been adjourned until February 25th following a prosecution request for additional preparation time, despite objections from defense counsel Abiodun Olalekan who argued that witnesses were present and ready to proceed.
The tragedy has sparked renewed discussions about road safety standards in Nigeria, particularly on major transportation corridors. Joshua, who holds Nigerian citizenship through family roots and briefly attended school in the country, returned to the United Kingdom following the accident. The two-time heavyweight champion has since publicly paid tribute to his deceased friends while the legal process continues to unfold.