The driver involved in a devastating road accident that left British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua injured and claimed the lives of two of his close associates has been formally arraigned in a Nigerian court. Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, aged 46, appeared before magistrates in southwestern Ogun state on Tuesday facing four serious charges related to the December collision.
Court Proceedings Begin Following Tragic Incident
Kayode was charged with dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and operating a vehicle without a valid national driver's licence. The defendant had initially been granted bail earlier in January amounting to 5 million naira, equivalent to approximately $3,480, before this week's formal court appearance.
Details of the Fatal Collision Emerge
The tragic incident occurred on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in December, a major transportation artery connecting Ogun state to Nigeria's economic centre of Lagos. According to official reports, Kayode was driving Joshua and his companions in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle collided with a stationary truck at high speed.
The impact resulted in minor injuries to the two-time heavyweight champion while proving fatal for his two friends, Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele. Investigators subsequently determined that excessive velocity contributed significantly to the severity of the crash.
Legal Proceedings Face Immediate Delays
Despite the formal arraignment taking place at Sagamu Magistrates Court, where Kayode appeared dressed in a black hoodie and trousers accompanied by his legal team, the trial has already encountered procedural delays. Prosecutors successfully requested an adjournment, pushing the next hearing back to February 25th.
Defence counsel Abiodun Olalekan expressed frustration with this development, telling reporters: "Coupled with the fact that the matter is slated for definite hearing for today, and their witnesses are in court, nothing stops the court from going on." This suggests the defence team was prepared to proceed immediately with the case.
Broader Implications for Road Safety
The accident has raised significant concerns about road safety standards in Nigeria, particularly on major highways like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Joshua, who holds Nigerian nationality through family roots and briefly attended boarding school in the country as a child, returned to the United Kingdom following the incident to recover from his injuries.
This case highlights ongoing challenges with transportation infrastructure and driving standards in one of Africa's most populous nations, while bringing international attention to road safety issues that affect both local residents and visiting dignitaries alike.
