British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death after changing seats moments before a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends, a court has heard.
Shocking details of the incident were revealed at the , where Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 47, was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to multiple charges arising from the crash. The incident occurred on one of Nigeria’s most dangerous highways and has sent shockwaves through the boxing world and beyond.
The tragic accident claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif” Ayodele, both members of Joshua’s close circle, who had reportedly arrived in Nigeria just hours earlier for a holiday. Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion, survived the crash after reportedly moving from the front passenger seat to the back seat of the SUV shortly before the collision.
According to evidence presented in court and reports cited by international media, the journey began in Lagos, with Joshua initially seated in the front passenger seat beside the driver. However, moments before the crash, the seating arrangement changed in a move that may have saved the boxer’s life.
Speaking on behalf of the accused driver, defence lawyer Olalekan Abiodun told the court that his client maintains the incident was a tragic accident caused by mechanical failure.
“My client has pleaded not guilty. What happened was an accident. I have not had a full opportunity to speak extensively with him yet, but he is saying that the brakes did not work,” Abiodun stated.
The lawyer further explained that Joshua was asked to change seats during the journey due to visibility concerns.
“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. Anthony is a big fellow, and the driver said he could not see the wing mirror properly, so he asked him to move to the back seat behind the driver,” Abiodun explained.
In a further twist, the court heard that Kevin “Latif” Ayodele was originally seated at the back of the vehicle before swapping places with Joshua.
“From what I understand, Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony,” the lawyer added.
Prosecutors told the court that the driver did not possess a valid driver’s licence at the time of the crash, a revelation that has intensified public scrutiny of the case. Kayode was subsequently charged with four offences, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
Kayode, who has reportedly worked as Joshua’s driver for more than three years, appeared in court dressed in a black Muslim kaftan. He pleaded not guilty to all charges as family members watched on anxiously from the public gallery.
The driver claimed that the vehicle’s brakes failed suddenly, leaving him with little control as he attempted to avoid a truck allegedly parked illegally by the roadside.
According to his account, he tried to swerve to avoid the stationary truck but was unable to prevent the collision.
The court granted Kayode bail in the sum of ₦5 million. The presiding judge noted that under Nigeria’s legal system, bail does not necessarily require a cash payment and that valuables could be used to meet the conditions. Following the hearing, Kayode was escorted to the Sagamu Correctional Centre to complete bail documentation.
Outside the courtroom, emotions ran high. Kayode’s wife was reportedly too distraught to speak to journalists, while his 19-year-old son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, addressed the media in defence of his father.
“The family is very upset by what has happened, and we are deeply sorry for the deaths of the two people,” he said.
He insisted that his father was not a reckless driver and blamed the incident on mechanical failure.
“Dad is not a fast driver. He was following the speed limit, and then the brakes failed. He said he was pressing the pedal, but nothing was happening,” Ifeoluwa explained.
According to him, the driver attempted to avert disaster at the last moment.
“He tried to swerve and avoid the truck parked by the side of the road, but he ended up hitting it,” he added.
Ifeoluwa also disclosed that the journey was almost over at the time of the crash.
“He was taking Anthony to see his family in Sagamu. He had picked them up from the airport, and they were only a few minutes away from arriving,” he said.
Joshua was reportedly hospitalised following the crash and received medical attention for injuries sustained in the accident. Although he has not made a detailed public statement, sources close to the boxer say he is deeply traumatised by the loss of his friends and grateful to be alive.
The tragic incident has reignited conversations in Nigeria about road safety, vehicle maintenance, and the dangers posed by poorly parked vehicles on major highways. Road accidents remain a leading cause of death in the country, with brake failure, speeding, and illegal parking frequently cited as contributing factors.
As the case continues to unfold, many fans and members of the boxing community have taken to social media to express their condolences to the families of the deceased and to wish Joshua a full recovery.
The case has been adjourned until January 20, when the trial is expected to formally begin.
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