Anthony Joshua’s Driver Trial Adjourned to February 25

A Magistrate Court in Sagamu, Ogun State, has postponed the trial of Adeniyi Kayode, the 46-year-old driver charged in connection with the fatal road accident that claimed the lives of heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami.

The case was adjourned to February 25, 2026, for further hearing.

Kayode was arraigned on January 2, 2026, before Magistrate Olufunmilayo Somefun at the Sagamu Magistrate’s Court. He faces a four-count charge stemming from the December 29, 2025, crash along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The charges include:

• Dangerous driving causing death, contrary to Section 5(1) of the Federal Highways Act, Cap F:135, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as applicable in Ogun State).
• Reckless and negligent driving, contrary to Section 6(1) of the same Act.
• Driving without due care and attention, causing bodily harm and damage to property, contrary to Section 7(1).
• Driving without a valid national driver’s licence, contrary to Section 10(1).

During Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel Nijiwe Richard requested an adjournment to enable the duplication of the case file and its transmission to the Office of the Attorney General of Ogun State through the Department of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and in the interest of justice.

Defence counsel Abiodun Olalekan initially opposed the application, stating that the defence was ready to proceed with the trial.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Somefun granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the matter to February 25, 2026.

The defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦5,000,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Background of the Incident

On December 29, 2025, a Lexus SUV carrying Anthony Joshua, his trainer Latif Ayodele, strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami, and driver Adeniyi Kayode collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Ayodele and Ghami tragically lost their lives in the crash, while Joshua and the driver sustained minor injuries.

Joshua was treated at a hospital and later discharged, declared clinically fit to continue recovery at home.

The former world heavyweight champion, accompanied by his mother, paid his last respects at a funeral home in Lagos as preparations were made for the repatriation of the bodies. He subsequently travelled to the United Kingdom for their funerals.

A funeral prayer service for Ghami and Ayodele was held on January 4, 2026, at the London Central Mosque.

Both men were integral members of Joshua’s training camp—Ayodele as his long-time personal trainer and close confidant, and Ghami as his strength and conditioning coach. Their sudden deaths sent shockwaves through the global boxing community.