Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom following a tragic road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two members of his close support team.
The accident occurred on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu, Ogun State, while Joshua was travelling in a Lexus SUV. The vehicle reportedly collided with a stationary truck parked along the roadside.
Two of Joshua’s long-time associates — his personal trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami — both aged 36, died at the scene. Funeral arrangements have been scheduled for Sunday at a mosque in London.
According to information gathered by NaijaViralHQ, Joshua sustained minor injuries in the crash and was treated at a Lagos hospital. He was discharged after medical observation and remained briefly in Nigeria to recover before flying back to the UK.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before a magistrates’ court in Sagamu on Friday. He pleaded not guilty to charges including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s licence.
The court granted him bail in the sum of ₦5 million, with the case adjourned until January 20.
Speaking in court, Kayode’s legal representative, Olalekan Abiodun, described the incident as an unfortunate accident. He claimed that a seat change moments before the crash may have played a role in Joshua surviving the collision.
According to the lawyer, Joshua was initially seated in the front passenger seat but was asked by the driver to move to the back due to visibility concerns related to Joshua’s size. Latif Ayodele reportedly took the front seat position shortly before the crash.
Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the accident. While officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps initially cited possible over-speeding and an attempted overtaking manoeuvre, Ogun State Police later suggested that a burst tyre may have caused the vehicle to lose control and crash into the parked truck.
Joshua, who was born in Watford, England, has family roots in Sagamu and was reportedly travelling to the town to visit relatives for New Year celebrations. He had spent significant time in Nigeria in recent weeks following his December 19 victory over American boxer Jake Paul.
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