The driver employed by former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has made his first court appearance in Nigeria following a devastating car crash last month that claimed the lives of two of the boxer's closest friends.
Court Proceedings Begin for Driver
On Tuesday, 46-year-old Adeniyi Kayode stood before a Magistrates' court in Ogun State, Nigeria. He faces a series of serious charges in connection with the incident on December 29, 2025. Kayode, who wore a blue hoodie during the hearing, is accused of:
- Causing death by dangerous driving.
- Reckless and negligent driving.
- Driving without due care and attention.
- Driving without a valid driver's licence.
The case has been adjourned until February 25, with Kayode released on bail pending the next hearing.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The fatal collision occurred while Anthony Joshua was on holiday in Nigeria, just ten days after his victory over Jake Paul in Miami. Joshua was a passenger in the vehicle but remarkably walked away from the wreckage. Reports indicate he may have had a narrow escape after switching seats shortly before the crash.
Tragically, the same could not be said for two integral members of his team. Latif Ayodele, a trainer, and Sina Ghami, Joshua's strength and conditioning coach, were both killed. The two men, described as among the boxer's best friends, were laid to rest in funeral ceremonies earlier this month.
Joshua's Road to Recovery and Future
In the wake of the tragedy, Anthony Joshua has returned to the gym as part of his healing process. He has shared videos on social media showing him engaging in training activities, including pad work and using a stationary bike. One clip was poignantly captioned with the words "mental strength therapy".
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has spoken about the profound impact of the event. He told Sky Sports that Joshua will need time to heal "physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually" before any decisions about his boxing future are made. Hearn stated, "I do think he will want to return to boxing, but that will be his decision when the time is right... What happened to him is not normal and heartbreaking for all involved."
Hearn emphasised that the focus remains on Joshua's wellbeing, with no pressure for a swift return to the ring, adding that the boxer's own voice will be the only one that matters when he is ready to speak about his future.
