Nigerian police have formally charged the personal driver of boxer Anthony Joshua. Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, faces multiple charges following a fatal December crash. The charges include causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid license. Additionally, he is charged with driving without due care and attention, causing bodily harm and property damage. The Federal Road Safety Corps alleges the vehicle was speeding beyond the legal limit. Consequently, Kayode is scheduled to appear in court on January 20th. This case highlights serious road safety issues in Nigeria.
The crash occurred on December 29th on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Kayode was driving Joshua, trainer Latif Ayodele, and strength coach Sina Ghami. Reports state a tyre burst as the Lexus SUV attempted an overtake at high speed. The vehicle then collided with a stationary lorry illegally parked on the hard shoulder. The impact killed Ayodele and Ghami, both aged 36, at the scene. Joshua and his Anthony Joshua driver survived with minor injuries. The accident happened just ten days after Joshua’s victory over Jake Paul in the United States.
Details of the Crash and Aftermath
The location was approximately 30 miles from Lagos on a major highway. The stationary lorry was carrying soya beans. According to authorities, the Anthony Joshua driver was operating the vehicle beyond prescribed speed limits. After the collision, Joshua and Kayode were evacuated to a specialized medical facility in Lagos. Doctors confirmed both were stable and required no emergency intervention. Kayode was held under observation at Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi for two days before being released to police custody.
Joshua and his mother later paid respects to his deceased friends at a funeral home. The boxing world offered widespread condolences to the champion following the tragedy. Kayode, a longstanding team member, was granted bail set at 5 million naira (approximately £2,580). However, he remains in custody until he meets the bail conditions. The Ogun state government issued a statement confirming the details and the stable condition of the survivors. This incident has cast a shadow over Joshua’s camp as he was believed to be preparing for a early-year return to the ring.
Legal Proceedings and Road Safety Context
The legal process is now underway with the court date set. The charges against the Anthony Joshua driver are severe and could result in significant penalties if convicted. Nigerian road safety advocates often cite poor enforcement and dangerous practices on highways like the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Illegal parking of heavy vehicles on shoulders is a common and deadly hazard. The Federal Road Safety Corps continues to investigate the full circumstances of the crash.
This case brings international attention to Nigeria’s road safety challenges. High-profile incidents can sometimes catalyze calls for stricter enforcement and infrastructure improvements. For now, the focus remains on the legal accountability of the driver. The court will examine evidence, including speed analysis and the driver’s license status. The outcome will be closely watched both within Nigeria and by the global sports community surrounding Anthony Joshua.
