British boxing icon Anthony Joshua was left in a state of shock and rendered speechless in the immediate aftermath of a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members.
The Horror Crash on Lagos Expressway
The incident occurred on Monday near Lagos, Nigeria, when the Lexus SUV Joshua was travelling in collided with a stationary truck on a major expressway. The collision resulted in the tragic deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele, both described as close friends and members of Joshua's team.
An eyewitness to the aftermath, Ajala Yusuf, described the scene to Sky News. "We heard a noise, boom. We thought it was one of those trucks whose tyre had burst," Yusuf said. "We then saw a car drive under a truck that was parked on the highway, and we rushed down to see what had happened."
Yusuf revealed the boxer's condition moments after being pulled from the wreckage. "He was shocked at the deadliness of the incident. He was shocked. He couldn't talk."
Legal Proceedings and Funeral Services
The driver of the SUV, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was charged at Sagamu Magistrates' Court on Friday, 2nd January 2026. The case has been adjourned until 20th January, 2026. Kayode's lawyer stated his client pleaded not guilty, claiming the incident was an accident and that the vehicle's brakes had failed.
It has since emerged that Joshua, 36, had initially been sitting in the front passenger seat but was asked by the driver to move to the back. The driver's lawyer explained this was because Joshua's size obstructed the view of the wing mirror. Latif Ayodele is understood to have then taken the front seat.
Joshua, who suffered minor injuries, was released from hospital on Wednesday. The funerals for Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele were held on Sunday at a mosque in London, which Joshua attended to pay his respects.
Joshua's Connection to the Region
The former world heavyweight champion, born in Watford, has strong Nigerian heritage with family roots in Sagamu, the area close to where the crash happened. A family member indicated Joshua was visiting relatives to celebrate the New Year, following his recent boxing victory over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul last month.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the driver's court appearance in an official statement, bringing formal legal proceedings into the tragic event that has shaken the boxing world and Joshua's personal circle.
