— Defence Counsel Opposes, Indicates Readiness To Proceed With Trial
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A Magistrate Court in Sagamu has granted bail to Adeniyi Kayode, the 46-year-old driver who conveyed former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and two members of his team before a fatal road accident that claimed two lives.
Kayode was admitted to bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum, while Magistrate Olufunilayo Somefun adjourned the case until February 25, 2026, for further hearing.
The driver is standing trial over a crash that claimed the lives of Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Motorway.
Kayode was arraigned on January 2 before the magistrate on a four-count charge bordering on:
- Dangerous driving causing death
- Reckless and negligent driving
- Driving without due care and attention resulting in bodily harm and damage to property
- Driving without a valid national driver’s licence
The offences are said to be contrary to provisions of the Federal Highway Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as applicable in Ogun State).
At Monday’s hearing, the prosecution counsel, Nijiwe Richard, applied for an adjournment to enable the prosecution transmit the case file to the Ogun State Attorney General’s office through the Department of Public Prosecutions for legal advice, in the interest of justice.
Defence counsel, Abiodun Olalekan, opposed the application, indicating the defence’s readiness to proceed with the trial.
However, in her ruling, Magistrate Somefun granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the matter to February 25, 2026.
The tragic accident occurred on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos–Ibadan Motorway, when a Lexus SUV conveying Joshua, Kayode, and the two deceased aides collided with a stationary truck.
Both Joshua and the driver sustained minor injuries in the crash, while Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene.
Joshua was later discharged from hospital after doctors certified him clinically fit to continue his recovery at home.
Following his discharge, the British-Nigerian boxer visited a funeral home in Lagos with his mother to pay his last respects to Ayodele and Ghami before their bodies were repatriated to the United Kingdom.
The remains of both men were flown to the UK, where a funeral prayer service was held on January 4, 2026, at the London Central Mosque.
Ghami and Ayodele were widely regarded as key figures in Anthony Joshua’s camp, playing crucial roles in his training and conditioning regimen.
Their sudden deaths sent shockwaves through the international boxing community, with tributes pouring in from fellow boxers, trainers, and sports personalities worldwide.
The two coaches had been instrumental in Joshua’s preparations for upcoming bouts and were considered integral members of his professional team.
With the case now adjourned to February 25, 2026, the prosecution will have time to obtain legal advice and prepare its case, while Kayode remains on bail pending the next hearing.
The court will reconvene to continue proceedings, at which point the prosecution is expected to present its case against the defendant.
Anthony Joshua has not made any public statement regarding the legal proceedings against his driver.
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