Anthony Joshua's Driver Charged Over Fatal Crash in Nigeria

The driver of the car involved in a fatal crash that injured Anthony Joshua and killed two of his close friends has been charged by Nigerian police.

Latif "Latz" Ayodele and Sina Ghami, who were also long-time members of Joshua's training team, tragically died on Monday (December 29) after the vehicle they were travelling in crashed into a stationary truck on a highway in Ogun State, near Lagos.

Joshua suffered minor injuries in the crash and was taken to a hospital in Lagos after being rescued from the wreckage.

On Friday, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, had been charged in court earlier on Friday, with the case adjourned until January 20.

Prosecutors brought four charges against Mr Kayode, who was driving the Lexus SUV when it crashed.

A police source confirmed to the BBC that the charges include causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver's licence.

It is believed that the vehicle carrying Joshua and his friends suffered a tyre blowout during a high-speed overtake before it crashed into the stationary truck.

A source from the Federal Road Safety Corps told The Sun: "Preliminary reports indicate the driver exceeded speed limits and overtook dangerously before the crash. These are serious offences under Nigerian law and can attract criminal liability if fatalities are involved.“

After being discharged from the hospital in Lagos this week, Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home to pay his respects to Ayodele and Ghami.

A statement from local government read: "The governments of Lagos and Ogun states, once again, commiserate with the families of the two young men -Lateef Ayodele and Cina Gami - who tragically and unfortunately lost their lives in the road accident involving Anthony Joshua on the 29th Dec 2025.

"We pray The Almighty grant the repose of their souls whilst granting their families and loved ones the fortitude to bear this very sad and painful loss.

"Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital late this afternoon though heavy hearted and full of emotions over the loss of his two close friends he was deemed clinical fit to recuperate from home.

"Anthony and his mother were at the funeral home in Lagos this afternoon to pay their final respects to his two departed friends as they were being prepared for repatriation scheduled for later this evening

"Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu deeply appreciate the public concern and show of love and affection over this very sad and unfortunate incident.

"They also appreciate Mr President. His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for all fatherly support he gave through out the process. We also want to appreciate the team of Doctors and medical personnel at the Lagoon Hospital Ikoyi that attended to Anthony and those that sustained injuries. The quality of care and professionalism is truly commendable."