Anthony Joshua's Driver Appears Visibly Emotional in Court Over Fatal Crash
Adeniyi Kayode, the driver for British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, appeared visibly emotional as he arrived and later left a Nigerian court charged over a devastating crash that killed two of the boxer's close friends. The 46-year-old father-of-three faces four serious charges relating to the incident on December 29.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The fatal collision occurred as Kayode was driving Joshua and his friends from Lagos to Sagamu, an hour away, where the fighter has family. Prosecutors allege Kayode was behind the wheel of a black Lexus SUV when it ploughed into the back of a stationary truck carrying soya beans on what is considered Nigeria's most deadly road.
Strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif Ayodele, both 36, were killed instantly in the devastating impact that sheared off the vehicle's side. Joshua himself escaped with only minor injuries in what has been described as a miraculous survival.
Revelations About Joshua's Survival
In a jaw-dropping revelation that emerged during court proceedings, it was revealed that Joshua had swapped seats with Latif Ayodele at the last minute before the journey began. According to Kayode's lawyer Olalekan Abiodun, the driver had asked Joshua to move from the front passenger seat because the boxer's size obstructed his view of the wing mirror.
"From what I understand Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony," Abiodun told the Daily Mail. This fateful seat swap likely saved Joshua's life while tragically costing Ayodele his.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Kayode appeared at Sagamu High Court in southwest Nigeria, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. The four charges include:
- Dangerous driving causing death
- Reckless and negligent driving
- Driving without due care and attention
- Driving without a valid national licence
Video footage from the court appearance shows Kayode wearing a black hoodie, keeping his head down and appearing emotional as he arrived. In later footage, he is seen leaving the court seeming distressed as he is consoled by a friend.
The driver, who has worked for Joshua for more than three years, was granted £2,600 bail on Tuesday after a judge adjourned the case. He was then rushed away by police to Sagamu Correctional Centre for paperwork to be completed.
Defence Claims and Investigation
Kayode's defence claims the incident was a tragic accident rather than criminal negligence. His lawyer stated: "My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident. I haven't had a full chance to speak with him yet but I know he is saying the brakes did not work."
Prosecutors highlighted that Kayode did not possess a valid driver's licence at the time of the crash, adding another layer to the serious charges he now faces.
Joshua's Response and Recovery
Speaking publicly about the incident for the first time on January 8, Joshua wrote on Instagram: "Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn't even realise how special they are." He added emotionally: "100% it's tough for me, but I know it's even tougher for their parents."
Remarkably, Joshua returned to boxing training just 19 days after the crash that hospitalised him. After spending New Year in hospital, he jetted home to the UK, landing at London Stansted Airport on January 2 and recuperating at his mansion.
The heavyweight champion has since shared snaps of him working out and hitting pads in what he branded "mental strength therapy" on his Snapchat. Other posts included a picture showing elapsed time on a cardio machine with the caption "I am a fighter," indicating his determination to return to the ring despite the tragedy.
Many had doubted whether Joshua would compete again following such a traumatic experience, but his rapid return to training suggests the boxer is channelling his grief into physical preparation for future fights.
