Anthony Joshua’s driver has been formally charged following a tragic road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of the former heavyweight champion’s team and left the boxer himself injured.
Police confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrate Court in Ogun State on Friday, where he was charged in connection with the crash.
Prosecutors have brought four counts against him, including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid driver’s licence. The case has been adjourned until 20 January.
The incident occurred on Monday on a major highway near Lagos, when the vehicle carrying Joshua and members of his entourage collided with a stationary truck. Joshua was travelling as a passenger at the time. His personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, were killed in the crash.
Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion, was rushed to hospital following the collision. He sustained injuries but was later discharged on Wednesday, having received treatment and observation.
No further details have been released regarding the nature of his injuries, though sources close to the boxer said he is recovering physically while mourning the loss of two trusted figures in his professional life.
Ayodele and Ghami were key members of Joshua’s inner circle. Ayodele, a respected trainer, had worked closely with the boxer on technical development, while Ghami was responsible for strength and conditioning, playing a significant role in Joshua’s preparation and overall athletic performance. Tributes have poured in from across the boxing world, with fighters, trainers and fans expressing shock and sadness at the sudden loss.
Joshua has not yet made a public statement since the charges were announced.
Earlier in the week, however, representatives for the boxer confirmed he was “devastated” by the deaths and was cooperating fully with authorities as they investigate the incident. Those close to him say he has remained in Nigeria to support the families of Ayodele and Ghami.
