Anthony Joshua’s Driver Faces Court as Fatal Crash Trial Proceeds in Sagamu

The legal proceedings surrounding a tragic road traffic accident that claimed the lives of two close associates of former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua have resumed at a Magistrate’s Court in Sagamu, Ogun State. Adeniyi Kayode, the 46-year-old driver behind the wheel of the Lexus SUV involved in the high-profile collision, is currently facing a rigorous trial as the Nigerian judicial system seeks to determine accountability for the loss of life.

The case, which is being heard by Magistrate Olufunilayo Somefun, stems from a devastating incident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that occurred in the closing days of 2025. According to official court documents and police reports, Kayode has been hit with a comprehensive four-count charge that centers on allegations of extreme negligence and dangerous driving. The prosecution argues that his actions on the road directly led to the catastrophic impact with a stationary truck, an event that sent shockwaves through the international sporting community.

Legal experts following the trial note that the charges are particularly severe. The first count accuses Kayode of dangerous driving causing death, an offense codified under Section 5(1) of the Federal Highway Act. This specific statute carries significant weight in the Nigerian legal framework, designed to address fatalities resulting from preventable road errors. Furthermore, the defendant faces charges under Section 6(1) for reckless and negligent driving, alongside a third count of driving without due care and attention, which resulted in bodily harm and extensive property damage.

In a move that highlights potential administrative lapses prior to the crash, the fourth count reveals that the defendant was allegedly operating the vehicle without a valid national driver’s license. This violation of Section 10(1) of the Federal Highway Act adds a layer of complexity to the defense’s position, as it suggests the driver may not have been legally authorized to operate the vehicle at the time of the fatal journey.

The courtroom atmosphere remains tense as the details of the December 29, 2025, accident are revisited. The Lexus SUV, which was transporting Joshua and his team, reportedly slammed into a parked truck on one of Nigeria’s busiest transit arteries. While the heavyweight boxer and Kayode walked away with minor injuries, the impact proved fatal for Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. Both men were described as pillars of Joshua’s inner circle, serving as trusted aides and long-time companions to the British-Nigerian athlete.

In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Anthony Joshua was rushed to a local medical facility. Though he was eventually certified clinically fit and discharged to continue his recovery in private, the emotional toll was evident. The champion was later seen in Lagos, accompanied by his mother, visiting a funeral home to pay a somber final tribute to his fallen friends. This public display of grief resonated deeply with fans, portraying a vulnerable side of the fighter rarely seen in the ring.

The logistics of the tragedy spanned continents. Following the initial mourning period in Nigeria, the remains of Ayodele and Ghami were repatriated to the United Kingdom. Joshua himself traveled back to England to oversee the final rites. On January 4, 2026, a massive gathering of mourners attended a funeral prayer service at the London Central Mosque. The two aides were later interred at Hendon Cemetery, marking the end of their earthly journey but the beginning of a long legal battle for the man who was driving them.

During the most recent court appearance, the magistrate upheld the previously granted bail conditions for Kayode. The defendant remains out on a bond of ₦5 million, supported by two sureties. This allows him to remain at liberty while the prosecution continues to present its evidence and call witnesses to the stand. The Sagamu court is expected to delve deeper into the mechanical state of the Lexus SUV and the visibility conditions on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at the time of the collision.

Road safety advocates in Ogun State have used this trial as a focal point to discuss the recurring dangers of stationary trucks on Nigerian highways. Many argue that while the driver’s actions are under scrutiny, the systemic issue of broken-down vehicles left in high-speed lanes remains a lethal hazard. However, for the families of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, the focus remains squarely on the Sagamu courtroom, where they hope the legal process will provide a definitive account of what went wrong on that December evening.

As the trial progresses, the international media continues to monitor the fallout. Anthony Joshua, who has largely remained out of the spotlight since the burial, is reportedly focusing on his mental health and physical recovery before considering a return to professional boxing. The shadow of the Sagamu trial, however, continues to loom over his camp, serving as a grim reminder of how quickly a routine trip can turn into a life-altering tragedy.

The prosecution is expected to bring forward traffic experts and first responders in the coming sessions to reconstruct the final moments leading up to the crash. With the eyes of the boxing world and the Nigerian public on the Sagamu Magistrate’s Court, the verdict will likely set a significant precedent for road safety accountability in the region.