Anthony Joshua’s Driver Charged After Nigeria Crash Kills Two Team Members

Anthony Joshua’s driver has been formally charged following a tragic road crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of the boxer’s team and left Joshua injured, police have confirmed.

Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court on Friday in connection with the incident. Police sources told the BBC that the charges include causing death by dangerous driving.

The crash occurred on Monday along the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State, near Lagos. Joshua was travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck on the highway.

Two of Joshua’s close team members — his personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and his strength coach, Sina Ghami — were pronounced dead at the scene. The former heavyweight world champion was injured and taken to hospital, where he received treatment before being discharged on Wednesday.

According to a police source speaking to the BBC, prosecutors filed four charges against Mr Kayode: causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.

The court granted the defendant bail set at 5,000,000 Nigerian naira (£2,578), and he was remanded in custody pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions. The case has been adjourned until 20 January.

Joshua, 36, was later pictured being assisted from the wreckage following the collision. Ogun and Lagos State officials said in a joint statement that the British boxer was “heavy hearted” over the deaths of Mr Ayodele and Mr Ghami, describing the two men as close friends.

After his release from hospital, Joshua visited the funeral home where the bodies of his late team members were “being prepared for repatriation,” the statement added.

Just hours before the fatal crash, Joshua had shared a video on Instagram showing him playing table tennis with Mr Ayodele, highlighting the close bond they shared.

Tributes have continued to pour in following the tragedy. On Wednesday, long-time promoter Eddie Hearn honoured the two men in an emotional Instagram post.

“Rest in peace Latz and Sina,” Hearn wrote.

“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.”

Joshua, who was born in Watford, has strong family ties to Sagamu, a town in Ogun State located near the crash site. A family member told the BBC that the boxer was travelling to the area to visit relatives for New Year celebrations at the time of the accident.

The boxer had been spending time in Nigeria following his recent victory over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on 19 December. Paul also shared his condolences after the incident, posting on X:

“Life is much more important than boxing. I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today's unfortunate accident.”