Anthony Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, has been charged with four counts, including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid license. The charges stem from a fatal car crash on December 29, 2025, near Lagos, Nigeria, that killed two of Joshua’s team members, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. The case has been adjourned until January 20, 2026.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Kayode was charged at the Sagamu Magistrate Court on Friday, January 3, 2026. The crash occurred when the Lexus SUV he was driving struck a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries and was discharged from Lagoon Hospital in Lagos on Wednesday. The driver was granted bail of 5 million naira (approximately £2,580 or $3,480) but remains in custody pending bail conditions.
Deeper Dive & Context
Circumstances of the Crash
Investigations suggest the vehicle was traveling at excessive speed when a passenger-side tire burst while attempting to overtake another vehicle. The SUV then collided with a stationary truck carrying soybeans, which was illegally parked on the hard shoulder. Both Ayodele and Ghami, both 36, died at the scene. Joshua and Kayode survived with minor injuries.
Legal and Investigative Details
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the charges in a statement. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) stated that preliminary findings indicated the vehicle was traveling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit. The Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) also noted the excessive speed and tire burst as contributing factors.
Background and Reactions
Joshua had recently celebrated a victory against YouTuber Jake Paul in the U.S. and was reportedly preparing for a return to boxing. The crash occurred just hours after Joshua and Ayodele posted social media clips of them playing table tennis. Joshua and his mother attended the funeral of the deceased team members.
Ongoing Developments
The case is set to resume on January 20, 2026. Authorities have emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to prevent such incidents. The Lagos state commissioner for information, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed Joshua’s discharge and stated that both Joshua and another passenger were stable and did not require emergency treatment.