The Ogun State Police Command has arraigned the driver of the Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle involved in the fatal crash that claimed the lives of two close friends of former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua. The case has, however, been adjourned until January 20, 2026, to allow for further proceedings.
The driver, identified as 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was charged on Friday before a Sagamu Magistrate Court, according to the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi. In a statement issued in Abeokuta, Babaseyi confirmed the adjournment.
Kayode’s arraignment came two days after police confirmed his arrest in connection with the accident, which occurred on December 29, 2025, near Danco along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The crash resulted in the deaths of Kevin Latif Ayodele, 36, a British-Nigerian, and Sina Ghami, 36, a British citizen—both members of Joshua’s training and support team.
Police sources said Kayode, a long-time member of Joshua’s Nigerian logistics crew, was allegedly driving above the 65mph speed limit when a tyre burst during an overtaking manoeuvre, causing him to lose control. The Lexus SUV, with registration number KRD 850 HN, reportedly collided with an illegally parked truck loaded with soya beans on the highway’s shoulder, ripping off the nearside of the vehicle.
Ayodele and Ghami died instantly, while Joshua and Kayode sustained minor injuries. Joshua, who was seated behind the driver, narrowly escaped death and was described by first responders as “lucky” to survive the impact.
Kayode was initially treated for minor injuries at a Lagos hospital and discharged late on New Year’s Eve before being taken to the Ogun State Police Headquarters in Abeokuta for questioning. Although details of the specific charges against him were not immediately disclosed in court, police had earlier indicated he could face a reckless driving charge.
Meanwhile, the Lagos and Ogun state governments confirmed on Wednesday that Joshua had been discharged from Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, after doctors certified him fit to continue his recovery from home. In a joint statement signed by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, and Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, it was disclosed that Joshua and his mother visited a Lagos funeral home to pay their respects to the deceased.
The bodies of Ayodele and Ghami were subsequently flown out of Lagos on a Turkish Airlines cargo flight, transiting through Istanbul en route to London for burial arrangements.
Governors Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State expressed appreciation to the public for the outpouring of sympathy and thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support during the period. They also commended the medical team at Lagoon Hospital for their professionalism and care.
The accident occurred at about 11am on December 29, shortly after Joshua and his companions arrived in Nigeria on a Virgin Atlantic flight from London. It came just 10 days after Joshua’s widely publicised bout with Jake Paul.
Police investigations into the crash are ongoing. Authorities are also reportedly searching for the driver of the truck involved, who is said to have fled the scene. The next court sitting on January 20 is expected to provide further clarity on the charges and findings of the investigation.
