The driver involved in the car crash that injured former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and killed two of his friends appeared in court on Tuesday, prompting Joshua’s family to question whether the trial is “really worth it.”
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was driving the boxer, along with Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when their Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck in Ogun State on December 29, 2025. Kayode faces multiple charges, including reckless driving and driving without a license.
Dressed in black trousers and a hoodie, Kayode appeared downcast in the Sagamu courtroom and avoided journalists’ cameras.
Speaking to AFP at the family home, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, expressed mixed feelings about the trial:
“We are very lucky that our son didn’t die. But taking this man to court is something we don’t see any reason for. This is my personal opinion that the trial is not really worth it. Accidents can happen anywhere in the world.”
He acknowledged public opinion, however, noting that locals feel the driver must be prosecuted for overspeeding.
The Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) reported that preliminary investigations showed the vehicle was traveling at excessive speed and suffered a burst tyre prior to the collision.
Tuesday’s court appearance was brief, as the judge adjourned the case until February 25 after the prosecution requested a delay. Kayode’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, said the adjournment was agreed “in the interest of justice.”
Police and state officials confirmed that Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene, while Joshua and Kayode sustained minor injuries. Ghami was Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele served as his personal trainer.
Adedamola Joshua added that Kayode had been Anthony Joshua’s driver for three years without any prior complaints, highlighting the tragic nature of the accident.
Joshua, a British national of Nigerian heritage, frequently visits southwest Nigeria, where he has family and friends.