Nigerian authorities have charged the driver of British boxing star Anthony Joshua following a fatal road accident that left two members of the boxer’s team dead and Joshua himself injured, police have confirmed.
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was formally charged on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State. Police sources told the BBC that the charges include causing death by dangerous driving, alongside several other traffic-related offences.
Details of the Fatal Accident
The incident occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, when a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his team collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest highways. The crash took place near Sagamu, close to Lagos, in south-west Nigeria.
Joshua’s long-time personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, were pronounced dead at the scene. Anthony Joshua, 36, sustained injuries and was taken to hospital, where he received treatment before being discharged on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Charges and Court Proceedings
According to police sources, prosecutors filed four charges against Kayode, including:
- Causing death by dangerous driving
- Reckless and negligent driving
- Driving without due care and attention
- Driving without a valid driver’s licence
The court granted the defendant bail in the sum of KSh447,000, pending fulfillment of bail conditions. He was subsequently remanded, and the case has been adjourned until January 20, 2026.
Reaction and Tributes
State officials from Ogun and Lagos confirmed that Joshua was “heavy-hearted” following the deaths of Ayodele and Ghami, both of whom were described as close friends as well as professional colleagues. After being discharged from hospital, Joshua visited the funeral home where the bodies of the two men were being prepared for repatriation.
Just hours before the crash, Joshua had shared a video on Instagram showing himself playing table tennis with Ayodele a post that has since drawn emotional reactions from fans worldwide.
On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Joshua’s long-time promoter Eddie Hearn paid tribute to the deceased team members.
“Rest in peace Latz and Sina,” Hearn wrote on Instagram. “Your energy and loyalty, among so many other great qualities, will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends, and of course AJ during this very difficult time.”
Background and Context
Although born in Watford, England, Anthony Joshua has strong family ties to Sagamu, the town near the crash site. A family member told the BBC that the boxer was traveling to visit relatives for New Year celebrations when the accident occurred.
Joshua had been spending time in Nigeria following his recent high-profile victory over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on December 19, 2025. Paul later shared a message on X expressing his condolences, stating that life was “much more important than boxing” and offering prayers for those affected by the tragedy.
As investigations continue, the case has drawn widespread attention in both Nigeria and the international sporting community, highlighting the profound personal toll behind the headlines of professional sport.
