Emerging incident report has indicated that British-Nigerian-born former heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, narrowly escaped death after changing seats from the front to the back of his SUV before the crash which killed his close associates, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele
The unfortunate incident occured just hours after the Joshua’s team arrived Nigeria for the Christmas and New Year holiday.
Additionally, the report by Daily Mail indicated that Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, who has been charged to court on a four-count allegation by the Ogun State Police Command, did not have a valid driver’s license before the road crash.
This latest revelation emerged at the Sagamu High Court on Friday, during the hearing for the 47-year-old Kayode, as he denied all charges against him, including dangerous driving.
Kayode, who arrived at the Court wearing a black Muslim kaftan, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read out to him by the clerk as members of his family attended.
Claiming he was innocent and brakes failure caused the accident, Kayode, who has worked for Joshua for more than three years, was granted bail and taken away by Police to Sagamu Correctional Centre for the paperwork to be completed.
Also speaking with Daily Mail, the driver’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, said: “My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident. I haven’t had a full chance to speak with him yet, but I know he is saying the brakes did not work.
“I also understand that the journey started in Lagos and that initially Anthony had got into the front seat, but the driver asked him to swap seats.
“He did this because Anthony is a big fellow, and he couldn’t see the wing mirror properly, so he asked him to move, and he sat behind the driver.
“From what I understand, Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony.”
The court granted the defendant bail for ₦5,000,000 with two sureties.
The Police brought a four-count charge against Kayode, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without care and attention, and driving without a valid driver’s license.
Reports said the case was adjourned to 20th January for the continuation of his trial, even as competent insider sources confirmed that Joshua has already arrived back in the United Kingdom (UK) and is recuperating at home.
Meanwhile, the funerals of Joshua’s strength coach, Sina Ghami, and his personal trainer, Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele will take place on Sunday, 4 January 2026 at London Central Mosque. Both men died in the unfortunate road traffic accident near Lagos earlier in the week.
It was gathered that Joshua landed at London Stansted Airport on Friday night and is recovering at his mansion.
However, family sources said it is unclear whether the boxer will be in the right frame of mind to participate in the funeral rites.
