Authorities in Nigeria have charged the driver of boxer Anthony Joshua following a road crash that killed two members of the athlete’s team and left Joshua injured.
Police said Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before a magistrates’ court in Sagamu on Friday, where he faced multiple charges, including causing death by dangerous driving.
The crash occurred on Monday on the Lagos–Ibadan expressway in Ogun state, when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his entourage collided with a stationary truck. Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami, were both killed at the scene.
Joshua, a former heavyweight world champion, was taken to hospital with injuries and later discharged on Wednesday.
According to police sources, prosecutors filed four charges against the driver, including reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s licence. The court granted bail set at five million naira, pending fulfilment of bail conditions, and adjourned the case until 20 January.
Officials said Joshua was deeply affected by the loss of his close colleagues. After leaving hospital, he visited a funeral home where the bodies were being prepared for repatriation.
Tributes have continued to pour in for Ayodele and Ghami, who were described by those close to the boxer as integral members of his inner circle.
Joshua, who has family roots in Ogun state, was reportedly travelling to visit relatives for New Year celebrations at the time of the crash. He had been spending time in Nigeria following his recent bout in December.