Driver charged in crash that injured Anthony Joshua, killed two friends in Nigeria
Nigerian police have charged a driver in connection with a crash that injured British former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and killed two of his close friends and team members on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
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Ogun State Police Command said Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrate Court and was charged on four counts, including causing death by dangerous driving. The case was adjourned to Jan. 20 while proceedings continue.
Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries when the Lexus SUV he was traveling in collided with another car on Monday, authorities said. Two members of his team, identified as Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, died in the collision.
Preliminary findings indicated the car involved was speeding and attempted a wrongful overtaking maneuver before striking a stationary truck, the FRSC said. Officials did not immediately release further details on the sequence of events.
Joshua, who was born in Britain to Nigerian parents, was taken to a hospital for checks and has since been discharged, according to police. No update on his training schedule was provided.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed condolences to Joshua and to the families of the victims, calling the incident a “tragic accident.” The president’s office said it was monitoring the investigation and urged motorists to observe road safety rules.
The collision came just over a week after Joshua knocked out American social media star Jake Paul in the sixth round of a bout in Miami, sharpening interest in his next move. Joshua is expected to fight British boxer Tyson Fury later this year, a matchup that would draw significant global attention if finalized.
Authorities did not immediately provide information on bail conditions or whether Kayode entered a plea. It was not immediately possible to contact Kayode or a legal representative.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of Nigeria’s busiest corridors, linking the commercial hub of Lagos with the southwest. The FRSC has repeatedly warned about speed and dangerous overtaking on the route, particularly around construction and heavy-truck choke points.
Police said further investigative updates would be released ahead of the Jan. 20 court date. Funeral arrangements for Ghami and Ayodele were not immediately announced.
Joshua, a two-time heavyweight titleholder, remains one of Britain’s most prominent athletes. The crash and its aftermath have prompted an outpouring of support from fans and figures across sport in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
By Abdiwahab Ahmed
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
