The boxing world and fans across Nigeria were shaken by a tragic accident involving heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua just before the new year. The incident, which occurred on December 29, 2025, resulted in the deaths of two of Joshua's close associates and led to serious legal consequences for his driver.
Unfolding of a Tragedy: The Accident and Its Aftermath
Anthony Joshua was travelling with his personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and his coach, Sina Ghami, when their vehicle was involved in a serious collision. While the celebrated boxer survived and was treated in hospital before being discharged, the accident claimed the lives of Ayodele and Ghami. The news sparked an outpouring of grief and support on social media.
In the wake of the crash, authorities swiftly turned their attention to the man behind the wheel. The driver's identity, initially withheld, became a focal point of the police investigation as details emerged about the circumstances of the crash.
Revealing the Driver: Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode
The man driving the car that carried Anthony Joshua has been identified as Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, a 46-year-old man. His involvement placed him squarely under legal scrutiny following the devastating outcome of the journey.
One of the most shocking revelations from the investigation was that Kayode did not possess a valid driver's licence at the time of the accident. This critical lack of legal documentation significantly compounded the severity of his situation as he faced the judicial system.
Legal Repercussions and Court Proceedings
The legal process moved quickly after the deaths. According to sources cited by the BBC, prosecutors brought a series of serious charges against Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode. The charges filed in court include:
- Causing death by dangerous driving
- Reckless and negligent driving
- Driving without due care and attention
- Driving without a valid driver's licence
Despite the gravity of the accusations, a magistrate court in Shagamu, Ogun State, granted Kayode bail. The court set the bail amount at ₦5,000,000 (Five Million Naira). The case has been adjourned and is scheduled to continue on January 20, 2026.
Eyewitness Account Offers Different Perspective
Adding complexity to the narrative, an eyewitness who claimed to have assisted at the scene provided a different version of events. The young man stated that the collision was caused by another vehicle that fled the scene, not by Joshua's car. He further explained that his quick actions helped pull the boxer from the wreckage and that the presence of a truck prevented the car from falling into a drainage ditch.
This tragic event has cast a shadow over the sports community in Nigeria, highlighting issues of road safety and responsibility. As the court case against Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode proceeds, many await further developments and hope for justice for the families of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.
