Anthony Joshua’s Family Questions Value of Driver’s Trial After Fatal Nigeria Crash
The family of British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua has raised doubts over the necessity of prosecuting the driver involved in the fatal car crash that occurred on December 29, 2025, in Nigeria, according to court records and sources familiar with the case.
The accident happened along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck. The crash claimed the lives of two of the boxer’s close associates; his personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami while Joshua sustained only minor injuries.
On January 20, 2026, the driver of the vehicle, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was arraigned before the Sagamu Magistrates Court in Ogun State. He faces several charges, including dangerous and reckless driving, causing death, and driving without a valid licence. The court adjourned the case to February 25, 2026, following a request by prosecutors for more time. Kayode had earlier been granted bail in the sum of N5 million (about $3,480).
Speaking to journalists at the family residence, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, said the family is of the view that continuing the trial may not be necessary, describing it as “not really worth it,” and noting that accidents can happen anywhere in the world. He, however, acknowledged that residents of the area where the crash occurred believe the driver should face prosecution, amid claims that the vehicle was travelling at high speed at the time of the incident.
Preliminary findings by the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) indicated that the SUV was speeding and suffered a tyre burst before crashing into the parked truck. While expressing gratitude that Joshua survived the ordeal, the family said it is carefully considering the emotional and legal consequences of pursuing the case in the wake of the tragedy.
The fatal crash and subsequent legal proceedings have continued to attract significant attention both locally and internationally, particularly within the sports community.
Blessing Anolaba
Editorial & Creative Correspondent
A storyteller and journalist passionate about telling stories for policy change and impact.
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