A driver transporting heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua was in the middle of overtaking another vehicle when his SUV crashed and killed two members of Joshua’s team, a Nigerian court heard on Thursday.
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, is facing charges of causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid national license. He has pleaded not guilty.
According to Inspector Christopher Ajayi Taiwo of the Ogun State Motor Traffic Division, the group was traveling in December to visit Joshua’s father in Ogun State, near Lagos. Kayode lost control of the Lexus SUV while trying to pass a moving truck and hit a parked lorry instead.
Joshua’s personal trainer Latif Ayodele and strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami died in the crash. Joshua was also in the vehicle and survived.
The court was told most of the passengers were asleep at the time. By the time police arrived, both the wrecked Lexus and the stationary lorry had been moved. Officers said they found crash debris and soya beans spilled from the lorry’s load on the road. From the Lexus, they recovered only a logbook, painkillers and an energy drink near the driver’s seat.
A second defendant, Abubakar Adamu, 35, who was driving the parked lorry, also denies a charge of obstructing traffic.
During cross-examination, Kayode’s lawyer asked why police had not taken a statement from Joshua. Inspector Ajayi said efforts were ongoing and that he did not have Joshua’s number.
Joshua, who was born in Watford but has family roots in Sagamu, Ogun State, later paid tribute to Ayodele and Ghami on social media. “I didn’t even realise how special they are,” he wrote. “100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents.”
The trial was adjourned to September 10.
