Anthony Joshua Incident: Driver Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode Faces Formal Charges
SAGAMU, Ogun State, Nigeria — The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver of a Lexus SUV linked to a serious motor vehicle incident involving British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, has been formally charged in court.
Police officials stated that Kayode, 46, was arraigned on Thursday, January 2, 2026, before the Sagamu Magistrate Court, where he is facing charges related to reckless and dangerous driving.
The matter has been adjourned until January 20, 2026, to allow for further legal proceedings.
According to authorities, the incident occurred earlier in the week along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a major transportation route in southwestern Nigeria.
At the time of the crash, the Lexus SUV was carrying Anthony Joshua along with two of his close associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when it collided with a stationary truck parked along the highway.
Both Ayodele and Ghami sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that the defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million (approximately $3,480 USD), with two sureties required, and was remanded in custody pending fulfillment of the bail conditions.
The Ogun State Police Command stated that the arraignment followed a comprehensive preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Anthony Joshua, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, survived the crash and was not reported to have sustained life-threatening injuries, though officials noted that the incident had a significant emotional impact.
Ayodele and Ghami were described as long-time friends, training partners, and integral members of Joshua’s professional support team, frequently accompanying him before, during, and after major bouts.
Ayodele was recently seen ringside during one of Joshua’s fights, where he was photographed holding the Nigerian flag.
The remains of the two deceased men were transported to a mortuary in Sagamu.
Both individuals were reported to be Muslims, and burial arrangements in accordance with Islamic rites are pending. Authorities have not yet confirmed when their remains will be repatriated to the United Kingdom.
In the aftermath of the incident, officials renewed calls for stricter road safety enforcement, particularly regarding the illegal and prolonged parking of heavy-duty trucks along major highways, which has been identified as a recurring safety concern across Nigeria.
The Ogun State Police Command urged motorists to exercise caution, comply with speed regulations, and maintain vigilance when navigating highways.
Further updates are expected as the case continues through the court system.
