Anthony Joshua's driver charged over crash that killed two people

Nigerian police have charged the driver of boxer Anthony Joshua with causing death by dangerous driving following a crash that killed two people. The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was also charged with driving without a valid licence and with driving without due care and attention, causing bodily harm and damage to property.

He is due to appear in court on 20 January. The Federal Road Safety Corps said it believed the vehicle was travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit. Kayode was driving Joshua, 36, the boxer’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, 36, and strength coach Sina Ghami, 36, on 29 December on the busy Lagos‑Ibadan expressway when a tyre on the passenger side burst while attempting to overtake.

The Lexus SUV then crashed into a stationary lorry carrying soya beans that was illegally parked on the hard shoulder about 30 miles from Lagos. Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene. The driver and Joshua survived with minor injuries. Kayode was taken to the Lagoon hospital in Ikoyi and kept under observation for two days.

Kayode, described as a longstanding member of Joshua’s team, was granted bail of 5m naira but will remain in custody until he meets bail conditions. After the crash Joshua and his mother visited the funeral home to pay their respects to the deceased. The accident came 10 days after Joshua celebrated his victory against Jake Paul in the US; he had been preparing to return to the boxing ring early this year.

Key Topics

World, Anthony Joshua, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, Latif Ayodele, Sina Ghami, Lagos-ibadan Expressway