Nigerian police have formally charged the driver involved in the fatal car crash that injured heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared in court on Friday and was charged with four offences, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention resulting in bodily harm and property damage, and driving without a valid national driver’s licence. The case has been adjourned until January 20.
The incident occurred when a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, crashed during what authorities say was a high-speed overtaking manoeuvre. Investigators believe a tyre blowout occurred shortly before the vehicle collided with a truck. The SUV has since been seized and is being held by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as inquiries continue.
According to the Ogun State Police Command, Kayode was hospitalised following the crash but later discharged and required to provide a formal statement. He has been granted bail set at 5,000,000 naira (approximately £2,578), pending the fulfilment of bail conditions.
The FRSC cited excessive speed and wrongful overtaking as the primary causes of the accident, describing both as major contributors to fatal road incidents on Nigerian highways.
Joshua was treated at Duchess International Hospital in Lagos and has since been discharged. While initial reports described his injuries as minor, footage from the scene showed the boxer in visible distress following the crash. Concerns remain about the physical and emotional impact of the incident.
In a statement, Joshua’s representatives asked that “space and privacy be given to the families at this time as they process this truly shocking and devastating news.
