Tragedy on Nigeria’s Highways: Anthony Joshua’s Driver Faces Court Over Deadly Crash

In a case that has riveted sports fans, legal observers and Nigerians alike, the driver of the vehicle carrying former two‑time world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua appeared in court this week to face serious charges related to a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s closest associates. The proceedings, held at the Sagamu Magistrate Court in Ogun State, mark a significant chapter in the aftermath of a crash that shook the boxing world and turned a holiday visit into an unfolding legal drama.

The defendant, 46‑year‑old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, stood before the court on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, after being charged over a collision that occurred on December 29, 2025. Kayode, who was driving a Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and two of his close aides along the busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, now faces a four‑count charge that includes dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention resulting in bodily harm and property damage, and driving without a valid national driver’s licence under Nigerian law.

The tragic accident sent shockwaves through the international sporting community. According to police and prosecutors, the SUV collided with a stationary truck on the highway, resulting in catastrophic consequences: Latif Ayodele, Joshua’s personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, were pronounced dead at the scene. Joshua himself and Kayode sustained minor injuries and were treated at a Lagos hospital before being discharged.

When Kayode walked into the courtroom for the adjourned proceedings, cameras and reporters swarmed outside, underscoring the global attention the case has attracted. Though the boxer is not a defendant in the trial, his presence looms large in every mention and report, amplifying public and media interest. Inside the courtroom, the focus was squarely on the driver, whose legal fate now hangs in the balance as the justice system seeks to unravel what really happened that afternoon on the expressway.

Before Tuesday’s session, Kayode had initially been arraigned on January 2, 2026, before Magistrate Olufunilayo Somefun, where the four‑count charge was formally read. The prosecution outlined the alleged offences, explaining that the crash, due to alleged carelessness and lack of proper licence, violated several traffic safety statutes. Kayode was remanded in custody initially, but was later granted bail of ₦5 million (with two sureties) — a development that allowed him to return home as he awaits continued proceedings.

On Tuesday, the court did not proceed to full trial. Instead, prosecutors requested, and were granted, an adjournment of the case to February 25, 2026, to allow for the duplication of the court’s case file and to forward it to the Ogun State Attorney‑General’s office via the Department of Public Prosecutions for legal advice. Defence counsel Abiodun Olalekan opposed the delay, insisting that the defence was ready to proceed immediately. However, the magistrate ruled that the adjournment was necessary in the interest of justice.

Outside the law library and court chambers, reactions have been mixed and emotionally charged. Some members of Joshua’s extended family have publicly questioned whether pursuing a full trial is worthwhile, given the tragic circumstances and its effect on all parties. Joshua’s uncle was quoted as saying that while the loss of life is devastating, the family saw the court case as potentially unnecessary, emphasising that “accidents can happen anywhere in the world.” Yet at the same time, he acknowledged public sentiment that the driver must face accountability, especially amid claims of excessive speed and poor judgement leading up to the crash.

Legal experts following the case have described it as complex, not least because it involves both traffic safety enforcement and the emotional weight of a high‑profile victim. Reckless and dangerous driving charges in Nigeria can carry significant penalties if the prosecution successfully proves culpability beyond reasonable doubt. The inclusion of driving without a valid licence, prosecutors say, compounds the severity, painting a picture of negligence with deeply harmful consequences.

The incident has reignited discourse around road safety in Nigeria, a nation that has long battled with high traffic accident rates and infrastructure challenges. Analysts argue that the crash, regardless of the ultimate court verdict, underscores the risk that drivers and passengers face daily on major highways. Calls for stricter enforcement of driving regulations, improved driver training, and rigorous oversight of professional drivers have grown louder in the wake of the tragedy, as citizens lament the loss of life and the preventable nature of such collisions.

For Joshua, the emotional and personal impact of the crash has been profound. The boxer, who holds British nationality and Nigerian heritage, was in Nigeria at the time of the accident, reportedly after his recent win over Jake Paul. Social media and public forums were filled with tributes to Ayodele and Ghami, both celebrated not only for their contributions to Joshua’s career but also for their close friendship with the world champion.

Though the legal process will continue at the end of February, the broader conversation around accountability, road safety, and the responsibilities of professional drivers is likely only just beginning. The case of Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode serves as a stark reminder of how split‑second decisions on Nigeria’s roads can lead to life‑altering consequences and how the rule of law seeks to address those outcomes even amid intense public scrutiny.

As the world watches and waits for the next hearing, the families of the victims continue to grieve, and the boxer himself faces the dual process of mourning and moving forward, both personally and professionally. The outcome of the trial — and the lessons it may impart — will be closely followed not only by boxing fans, but by anyone concerned with road safety and justice.