A Nigerian court has taken a decisive step in a tragic case that shocked the sports world, formally pressing charges against the driver involved in a road accident that resulted in the deaths of two key members of boxer Anthony Joshua's team. This legal action marks a pivotal turn in an incident that has captured national attention, shifting the narrative from mourning to a pursuit of legal accountability.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
The legal machinery swung into action on January 2, 2026, when Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode was arraigned before the Sagamu Magistrate Court. Kayode, who was driving the Lexus SUV carrying the former heavyweight champion and his entourage, faced the court on four distinct charges. The prosecution accused him of dangerous driving causing death and driving without a valid license, among other counts.
Kayode entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. The court set his bail at five million naira, and he will remain in custody until the bail conditions are satisfied. The case has been adjourned, with proceedings scheduled to resume on January 20, 2026, as investigations continue.
Police Report Details of the Fatal Collision
According to official police reports, the sequence of events leading to the tragedy unfolded on December 29, 2025. The accident occurred on the notoriously busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a highway known for its heavy traffic and history of severe accidents. The police stated that Kayode was in the process of overtaking another vehicle when the front passenger-side tire of the SUV suffered a sudden blowout.
This tire burst caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The SUV subsequently veered off and collided with a stationary truck that was parked along the roadside. The impact of the crash was devastating, causing extensive damage to the Lexus. While Anthony Joshua, seated in the rear, escaped with minor injuries, the two front-seat passengers bore the brunt of the collision and did not survive.
Deaths, Aftermath, and National Reaction
The victims were identified as Joshua's longtime trainer, Latif "Latz" Ayodele, and his strength coach, Sina Ghami. Both men, aged 36, were pronounced dead at the scene. They were not just staff but considered close friends and integral parts of Joshua's daily training regimen. Their deaths occurred shortly after they were seen in cheerful social media posts with Joshua, highlighting the suddenness of the loss.
Anthony Joshua was treated at a Lagos hospital and discharged on December 31, 2025. Although physically recovering, the emotional impact on the boxer and his camp is profound. The case has transcended personal tragedy, sparking a wider national conversation in Nigeria about critical road safety issues, including:
- Vehicle maintenance standards
- Driver licensing enforcement
- The dangers posed by heavy trucks parked on roadside shoulders
Even the nation's leadership took note, with President Bola Tinubu personally reaching out to Joshua and his mother to offer condolences, recognizing the boxer's deep connections to Nigeria. As the legal process unfolds to determine responsibility, Joshua's representatives have requested privacy for the champion as he mourns the loss of his trusted companions.
