Court resumes trial of Anthony Joshua’s driver over fatal Lagos–Ibadan crash

Legal proceedings have resumed in Sagamu, Ogun State, in the case involving the driver of a luxury SUV linked to a road accident that killed two close associates of former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua.

The case, being heard at a Magistrate Court in Sagamu, centres on Adeniyi Kayode, 46, who was driving a Lexus SUV involved in the fatal crash on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in December 2025. The matter returned to court this week with Magistrate Olufunilayo Somefun presiding.

Kayode was first arraigned on 2 January 2026, facing four criminal counts, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, and driving without due care and attention resulting in bodily harm and damage to property. He is also accused of driving without a valid national driver’s licence.

Prosecutors say the charges fall under provisions of the Federal Highway Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as applied in Ogun State.

Bail granted as trial continues

The court had earlier granted the defendant bail of ₦5 million, with two sureties, pending the continuation of the trial.

The charges stem from a crash on 29 December 2025, when the Lexus SUV reportedly collided with a stationary truck along the busy expressway. The accident claimed the lives of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both key members of Anthony Joshua’s inner circle.

Joshua, who was in the vehicle at the time alongside the driver, reportedly sustained minor injuries and was later discharged from hospital after being certified medically stable.

Boxing world mourns fallen team members

The deaths of Ayodele and Ghami sent shockwaves through the global boxing community. Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was widely known as his personal trainer and confidant.

Following the incident, Joshua, accompanied by his mother, visited a funeral home in Lagos as arrangements were made to repatriate the bodies to the United Kingdom.

Both men were buried after a funeral prayer held on 4 January 2026 at the London Central Mosque, followed by interment at Hendon Cemetery.

Tributes poured in from boxers, trainers and sports figures around the world, describing the pair as dedicated professionals who played key roles in Joshua’s career.

The court is expected to fix further hearing dates as the trial progresses.