The legal aftermath of the tragic car crash involving Nigerian-British boxing star, Anthony Joshua, took a significant turn on Friday, January 2, 2026, when the driver of the vehicle involved was arraigned in court and granted bail of ₦5 million, with two sureties, as he awaits trial in connection with the deaths of two members of Joshua’s entourage.
Crash Overview
On December 29, 2025, Joshua and three others were travelling along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck in the Sagamu area of Ogun State. The accident resulted in the deaths of two of Joshua’s close associates — personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele and strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami — while the boxer himself and the driver suffered minor injuries.
The former two-time world heavyweight champion was hospitalised and later discharged after treatment for his injuries. He has since travelled back to the United Kingdom amid mourning for his fallen team members.
Charges Against the Driver
The driver, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was arraigned before a Sagamu Magistrate Court where he faced four counts related to the crash:
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Dangerous driving causing death
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Reckless and negligent driving
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Driving without due care and attention
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Driving without a valid national driver’s licence
These charges stem from findings by the Ogun State Police Command that the driver’s actions — including alleged excessive speed and improper overtaking — contributed to the fatal collision.
In court, Kayode pleaded not guilty to all counts, with his legal team indicating that he maintains the crash was an unfortunate accident and that the brakes may have failed — a version of events that remains under investigation.
Bail and Next Court Date
The magistrate granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million, with the requirement of two responsible sureties. However, Kayode was remanded in custody until the bail conditions are met. The case has been adjourned to January 20, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
The bail decision comes amid public scrutiny and debates over road safety and accountability on Nigeria’s highways — particularly on heavily trafficked routes like Lagos–Ibadan, which has seen numerous fatal accidents over the years.
Reactions and Wider Impact
The incident has drawn widespread attention both in Nigeria and internationally, with fans, sports figures, and authorities weighing in on the tragedy.
President Bola Tinubu expressed condolences, describing the collision as a heartbreaking accident. The deaths of Ayodele and Ghami have also sparked conversations on safety practices for public figures and their teams while on the road.
As the legal process unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how the courts handle high-profile cases involving foreign nationals and prominent public figures — and what lessons might be drawn to improve road safety across the region.
