The driver involved in the car crash that injured British boxing champion Anthony Joshua and killed two of his close friends has been formally charged by Nigerian authorities.
Driver Faces Multiple Charges in Court
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, aged 46, was charged on four counts at the Sagamu Magistrate Court on Friday, January 2, 2026. The charges include causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid licence. Prosecutors confirmed the full list of accusations: causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a licence.
The case has been adjourned until January 20 for trial. Kayode was granted bail set at 5,000,000 Naira (approximately £2,578) and was remanded in custody pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The incident occurred on Monday, December 29, on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Makun, Nigeria. The Lexus SUV carrying Joshua collided with a stationary truck. While the two-time heavyweight world champion sustained only minor injuries and was discharged from hospital, two long-term members of his team lost their lives.
The victims were identified as Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, Joshua’s personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach. Both were considered close friends of the boxer, having worked alongside him for many years.
In a separate development, Nigerian police revealed on New Year's Day that they were searching for the driver of the stationary truck involved in the collision.
Remembering Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami
Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele was a devout Muslim and a fixture in Joshua's camp since his first world title win against Charles Martin in 2016. His social media was filled with moments shared with Joshua, from intense gym sessions to casual games of table tennis. Just hours before the fatal crash, he posted a video of himself and Joshua laughing during a ping-pong match. He also worked with other elite athletes, including New Zealand rugby star Sonny Bill Williams.
Sina Ghami had been Joshua's strength coach for over a decade and was the co-founder of London's Evolve Gym. A qualified sports rehabilitator, he specialised in musculoskeletal injuries. Ghami was present for Joshua's career-defining moments, such as his iconic victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley in 2017. His final Instagram story appeared to show Joshua's motorcade travelling through Lagos.
On New Year's Eve, after being released from hospital, Joshua visited a funeral home in Lagos with his mother, Yeta Odusanya, to pay his final respects. Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world. Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, wrote: ‘Rest in peace Latz and Sina. Your energy and loyalty among so many other great qualities will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends and of course AJ during this very difficult time.’
