The family of former two-time heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has raised concerns over the ongoing trial of the driver involved in a car crash that claimed the lives of two people and left the boxer injured.
The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before a court in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Tuesday, facing multiple charges including reckless driving and driving without a valid licence.
Kayode was behind the wheel of a Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and two of his associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when the vehicle reportedly crashed into a stationary truck on December 29. Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene, while Joshua and the driver sustained minor injuries.
Speaking at the family’s residence, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, questioned the necessity of prosecuting the driver, describing the incident as a tragic accident.
“We are very lucky that our son did not die. But taking this man to court is something we don’t really see any reason for,” he said.
“In my personal opinion, the trial is not really worth it because accidents can happen anywhere in the world.”
However, he noted that public sentiment in the community appeared to favour prosecution.
“We also sense the opinion of people in the town that this man must be prosecuted, that he was overspeeding,” he added.
Preliminary findings by the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency indicated that the vehicle was travelling at high speed before suffering a tyre burst, which led to the collision.
Kayode’s appearance in court was brief, as the presiding judge adjourned the case until February 25 following a request by the prosecution for more time. His counsel, Olalekan Abiodun, said the defence did not oppose the adjournment.
“We agreed to the adjournment in the interest of justice,” the lawyer told journalists.
The victims were close associates of Joshua, with Ghami identified as his long-time strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele served as his personal trainer.
Family members also disclosed that Kayode had worked as Joshua’s driver for about three years without any prior complaints.
Joshua, a British national of Nigerian descent, is known to visit southwest Nigeria regularly, where he maintains close ties with friends and family.
