Anthony Joshua’s driver has been charged following a fatal road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of the boxer’s team and left the former heavyweight champion injured.
Police confirmed that the driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was arraigned before the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court on Friday. He faces four charges, including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
The incident occurred on Monday on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway in Ogun State when a Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and members of his entourage collided with a stationary truck. Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Joshua sustained injuries in the crash and was taken to hospital, where he was treated and later discharged on Wednesday.
Mr Kayode was granted bail in the sum of five million naira, pending the fulfilment of bail conditions. The case has been adjourned to January 20.
State officials from Ogun and Lagos described Joshua as “heavy-hearted” over the loss of his close associates. After his discharge from hospital, the boxer reportedly visited the funeral home where the bodies of the deceased were being prepared for repatriation.
Joshua, who has family roots in Sagamu, was travelling to visit relatives for New Year celebrations at the time of the accident. He had been in Nigeria following his recent boxing bout against Jake Paul on December 19.
Tributes have since poured in for the deceased, including from Joshua’s long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, who described them as loyal and energetic members of the boxer’s team.
