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Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom following a tragic car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members, PUNCH Online reports.
Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries in the accident, which occurred on Monday, December 29, and was discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve. According to the BBC, the British boxer flew back to the UK on Saturday after receiving medical clearance.
“Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has flown back to the UK after a fatal car crash that killed two of his close friends in Nigeria,” the BBC reported.
Victims to Be Buried in London
The victims, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, were part of Joshua’s inner circle. Sky Sports reports that their funeral prayers will take place on Sunday at the London Central Mosque.
Driver Charged, Granted Bail
The driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, has been charged by the Ogun State Police Command with causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
Police confirmed on Friday that Kayode was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million and remanded pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions. The case has been adjourned until January 20.
Driver’s Son Claims Brake Failure
Kayode’s 19-year-old son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, has publicly defended his father, claiming the crash was caused by brake failure and an illegally parked truck.
“Dad is not a fast driver; he was following the speed limit when the brakes failed,” he told the Daily Mail.
“He said he was pushing the pedal, but nothing was happening. He’s been driving for Anthony for three years; he’s a good driver. It’s not his fault. If the truck wasn’t parked there illegally, this wouldn’t have happened.”
Seat Change Saved Joshua — Lawyer
Kayode’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, revealed that Joshua narrowly escaped death due to a last-minute seat change before the crash.
“I understand that the journey started in Lagos and that initially Anthony had got into the front seat, but the driver asked him to swap seats,” Abiodun told the Daily Mail.
“Anthony is a big fellow, and the driver couldn’t see the wing mirror properly, so he asked him to move. From what I understand, Latif was initially seated at the back and later changed seats with Anthony.”
Crash Details
Joshua was travelling in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Makun. He was reportedly heading to Sagamu to celebrate the New Year with relatives when the crash occurred.
The incident happened just 10 days after Joshua’s knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami.
Condolences and Ongoing Investigation
Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State expressed appreciation to members of the public for their prayers and support. They also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his concern and assistance.
Both state governments commiserated with the families of the deceased, describing the incident as painful and deeply unfortunate, and prayed for the eternal rest of the departed.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash are ongoing.
