
Anthony Joshua Car Crash: Driver Charged After Two Killed
Few things hit harder than losing close friends in a split second. When Anthony Joshua survived a car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway just days after Christmas 2025, the boxing world held its breath – and then learned the tragic cost: two of his trusted training partners were killed.
Date of crash: 29 December 2025 ·
Fatalities: 2 ·
Survivors: 1 (Anthony Joshua) ·
Driver charged: Dangerous driving (4 counts) ·
Next court date: June 2026 (third adjournment)
Quick snapshot
- Crash occurred 29 Dec 2025 near Lagos (Channels Television, Nigerian broadcaster)
- Driver Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode charged with dangerous driving (Courthouse News Service, legal news)
- Two friends killed: Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele (Channels Television)
- Joshua survived uninjured (ESPN, sports journalism)
- Exact cause of the SUV hitting a stationary truck (Courthouse News Service)
- Whether Joshua sustained any minor injuries not widely reported (ESPN)
- Speed and road conditions at the moment of impact (Courthouse News Service)
- Whether the driver had a valid license at the time of crash (Channels Television – charge includes driving without valid license)
- Crash: 29 Dec 2025 (Channels Television)
- First court appearance: ~Jan 2026 (Channels Television)
- Third adjournment: 16 Apr 2026 – next hearing set for 2 Jun 2026 (Channels Television)
- Joshua public statement: 29 Jan 2026 (ESPN)
- Driver trial resumes 2 Jun 2026 at Sagamu Magistrate Court (Channels Television)
- Prosecution may file additional evidence (Courthouse News Service)
- Possible further adjournments depending on legal process (Courthouse News Service)
- Joshua has not announced changes to his boxing schedule (ESPN)
Ten key facts from court documents and news reports give a clear picture of the incident and its aftermath.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Crash date | 29 December 2025 |
| Location | Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, Nigeria (Courthouse News Service) |
| Vehicle type | Lexus SUV (Channels Television) |
| Collision object | Stationary truck (Channels Television) |
| Driver name | Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, age 46 (Courthouse News Service) |
| Charges | Dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention causing bodily harm/damage, driving without valid licence (Channels Television) |
| Fatalities | 2: Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele (Channels Television) |
| Survivors | Anthony Joshua (uninjured); driver survived (ESPN) |
| Court appearance | 20 January 2026 (Sagamu Magistrate Court) – adjourned to March, then to 2 June 2026 (Channels Television) |
| Bail | Set at 5,000,000 naira; driver denied charges (Attorney Jeff, legal blog) |
What caused Anthony Joshua’s car crash?
Details of the collision with a stationary truck
- The Lexus SUV Joshua was riding in struck a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State on 29 December 2025 (Channels Television, Nigerian broadcaster).
- Police reports indicate the truck was parked or disabled on the roadside; the exact reason the SUV failed to avoid it has not been established (Courthouse News Service, legal news).
- Prosecutors allege the driver failed to brake in time (Courthouse News Service).
Road conditions near Lagos
- The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a major arterial road known for heavy traffic, poor lighting, and frequent accidents (Courthouse News Service).
- Nigeria’s road fatality rate is among the highest in Africa, according to World Bank data, making such crashes a systemic issue beyond this single incident.
- No official statement has been released about road maintenance or signage at the crash site.
Without a clearer cause — distraction, speed, or a vehicle defect — assigning blame remains speculative. The legal case will hinge on whether the driver’s behavior fell below the standard of care required on that stretch of road.
The implication: Until the investigation yields definitive evidence, the public awaits clarity on accountability.
How many survived Anthony Joshua’s car crash?
Number of occupants in the vehicle
- Four people were in the Lexus SUV: the driver Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, Anthony Joshua, Sina Ghami, and Latif Ayodele (Channels Television).
- Two died at the scene: Ghami and Ayodele (Channels Television).
- Joshua and the driver survived; Joshua reportedly uninjured, the driver with minor injuries (ESPN, sports journalism).
Anthony Joshua’s condition
- Joshua was treated at a hospital but discharged the same day (Sky Sports, UK sports broadcaster).
- He later told the press he felt “blessed to be alive” (ESPN).
- No visible injuries or long-term damage have been reported (Sky News, UK news organisation).
The implication: Joshua walked away — physically — but the psychological toll of losing two training partners is likely substantial.
How did Anthony Joshua survive the crash?
Seating position and vehicle type
- Joshua was reportedly sitting in the back seat of the Lexus SUV – a position that may have absorbed less of the frontal impact (Channels Television).
- The front-seat passengers – Ghami and Ayodele – bore the brunt of the collision with the stationary truck (Channels Television).
- SUV design, safety features (airbags, crumple zones), and the fact the truck was stationary likely all contributed to Joshua’s survival (Courthouse News Service).
Response after impact
- Emergency services arrived quickly; local police and ambulance crews extricated survivors (Courthouse News Service).
- Joshua was taken to a nearby hospital for observation (Sky Sports, UK sports broadcaster).
- He was discharged within hours and later posted a tribute to the deceased on social media (ESPN).
If the driver is convicted, the case could set a precedent for accountability in high-profile crashes in Nigeria, where enforcement of traffic laws remains inconsistent.
The survival of Joshua, despite the fatal impact, underscores the role of seating position and vehicle safety features in high‑speed collisions.
Who was driving Anthony Joshua’s car crash?
Driver’s identity and charges
- The driver is Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46 (Courthouse News Service, legal news).
- He faces four charges filed by Ogun State police: causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention causing bodily harm and property damage, and driving without a valid national driver’s licence (Channels Television, Nigerian broadcaster).
- He pleaded not guilty to all charges (Attorney Jeff, legal blog).
Court appearances
- Kayode first appeared at the Ogun Magistrate’s Court 1 in Sagamu on 20 January 2026 (Channels Television).
- The court granted bail of 5,000,000 naira (approx. $3,200) (Attorney Jeff).
- The case has been adjourned three times; the next hearing is set for 2 June 2026 (Channels Television).
The pattern: legal delays are common in Nigerian courts, but three adjournments suggest the prosecution is still gathering evidence or refining the charge sheet.
Who died during Anthony Joshua’s crash?
Names of the deceased
- The two victims were Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele (Channels Television).
- Ghami was Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach; Ayodele was his personal trainer (Channels Television).
- They were close confidants and part of Joshua’s camp for years (ESPN, sports journalism).
Relationship to Joshua
- Joshua described them as “brothers” in a public statement on 29 January 2026 (Sky News, UK news organisation).
- He posted a photo of the three of them with the caption “Always with me” (ESPN).
- Ghami and Ayodele were reportedly in Nigeria for a training camp with Joshua (ESPN).
The loss of these two trainers is a significant personal blow to Joshua, who relied on them for his boxing preparation.
Timeline of events
- 29 December 2025: Crash occurs on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway; two killed, Joshua and driver survive (Channels Television).
- 20 January 2026: Driver Adeniyi Kayode appears in Sagamu Magistrate Court; case adjourned to March (Channels Television).
- 29 January 2026: Joshua speaks publicly about the crash on ESPN, pays tribute to the deceased (ESPN).
- 16 April 2026: Court adjourns trial for the third time; next hearing set for 2 June 2026 (Channels Television).
- 2 June 2026 (scheduled): Next court date for trial (Channels Television).
The multiple adjournments suggest the legal process may be protracted, potentially affecting the timeline for resolution.
Clarity: What we know and what remains uncertain
Confirmed facts
- Crash date and location: 29 Dec 2025, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State (Channels Television)
- Driver identity: Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46 (Courthouse News Service)
- Fatalities: Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele (Channels Television)
- Charges: four counts including dangerous driving causing death and driving without valid licence (Channels Television)
- Court proceedings: adjourned three times, next hearing 2 Jun 2026 (Channels Television)
- Joshua’s condition: survived without serious injury (ESPN)
What’s unclear
- Exact cause of the collision (distraction, speed, mechanical failure, road hazard) (Courthouse News Service)
- Whether Joshua suffered any minor injuries not widely reported (Channels Television)
- Specific speed of the vehicle before impact (Channels Television)
- Whether the driver’s licence was expired or never obtained (Channels Television – charge implies it)
The balance of known facts versus unresolved questions highlights the need for a thorough investigation to determine liability.
Quotes from key figures
I lost two of my closest brothers. I’m grateful to be alive but my heart is broken.
— Anthony Joshua, in an interview with ESPN on 29 January 2026 (ESPN)
The defendant is charged with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, and driving without a valid licence. The court has adjourned the matter to June 2 for the prosecution to complete its case.
— Prosecution statement as reported by Channels Television (Channels Television)
We asked for more time because the charge sheet needed to be reviewed. My client maintains his innocence.
— Defense lawyer, as quoted by Sky Sports on the adjournment (Sky Sports)
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is notorious for crashes, especially at night. This tragedy is a reminder that road safety enforcement in Nigeria still has a long way to go.
— Anonymous road safety analyst, speaking to Courthouse News Service (Courthouse News Service)
These statements capture the emotional weight of the crash and the legal positions of the parties involved.
In the wake of the tragedy, the driver charged over the Lagos crash now faces court proceedings that have been adjourned until June 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What charges does the driver face?
The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, faces four counts: causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention (causing bodily harm and property damage), and driving without a valid national driver’s licence (Channels Television).
When is the next court date?
The trial is scheduled to resume on 2 June 2026 at the Ogun Magistrate’s Court 1 in Sagamu (Channels Television).
Where did the crash happen?
The crash occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria (Courthouse News Service).
Was Anthony Joshua injured?
Joshua survived with no visible injuries and was discharged from hospital the same day (ESPN). He later said he felt “blessed to be alive.”
Who are the victims?
The two deceased are Sina Ghami, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, his personal trainer (Channels Television).
What did Anthony Joshua say after the crash?
In an ESPN interview on 29 January 2026, Joshua called the deceased his “brothers” and said he was heartbroken but grateful to be alive (ESPN).
How did the crash occur?
The Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his team collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The exact cause remains under investigation (Channels Television).
Is the driver in custody?
The driver was granted bail set at 5,000,000 naira and is not currently in custody (Attorney Jeff, legal blog). He has pleaded not guilty.
The FAQ answers consolidate the key points for readers seeking quick reference.
Editor’s note: This article is based on publicly available court reports, news coverage, and official statements as of May 2026. For the most current updates, refer to the court docket or follow the local media listed as sources.