The driver of the vehicle carrying British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua was attempting to overtake another vehicle when the car crashed, killing two of the heavyweight’s close associates, a Nigerian court has heard.
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, is facing charges including causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid national driver’s licence. He has denied the allegations.
The court was told that Joshua and his team were travelling to visit the boxer’s father in Ogun State, near Lagos, in December last year when the crash occurred.
According to evidence presented to the court, the passengers were asleep when Kayode allegedly lost control of the Lexus SUV while overtaking a moving truck. The vehicle subsequently collided with a parked lorry.
Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, died in the crash.
A second defendant, 35-year-old Abubakar Adamu, the driver of the stationary lorry involved in the collision, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of obstructing the free flow of traffic.
Police Give Evidence
Inspector Christopher Ajayi Taiwo of the Ogun State Motor Traffic Division told the court that by the time he arrived at the crash scene, both the damaged Lexus and the stationary lorry had already been removed.
However, officers found debris from the collision and soya beans scattered across the road from the lorry’s load.
Ajayi said the only items recovered from the Lexus were a logbook, painkillers and an energy drink, all found near the driver’s side.
The court also heard that police have not yet taken a statement from Anthony Joshua regarding the crash.
During cross-examination, Kayode’s lawyer questioned the inspector about why Joshua had not provided a statement.
Ajayi responded that “efforts are ongoing”, explaining that he had not contacted Joshua because he “didn’t have his number.”
The trial has been adjourned until September 10.
Joshua Pays Tribute to Friends
Joshua, who was born in Watford in the United Kingdom and has family roots in Sagamu, Ogun State, paid tribute to Ayodele and Ghami following the crash.
In a social media post, the boxer reflected on his relationship with the two men, writing:
“I didn’t even realise how special they are.”
He added:
“I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men.”
Joshua also acknowledged the pain caused by their deaths, saying:
“100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents.”
