Anthony Joshua crash: Court hears driver was overtaking when SUV crashed

Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode's Charges

The ongoing legal proceedings in a Nigerian court are shedding light on the tragic road crash that claimed the lives of two members of Anthony Joshua's team. Driver Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, is at the center of the investigation, facing serious charges including causing death by dangerous driving and operating a vehicle without a valid national driving licence. Prosecutors allege that Kayode attempted to overtake a moving truck, subsequently losing control of the Lexus SUV and colliding with a stationary lorry. This account suggests a critical lapse in judgment and adherence to road safety protocols.

Kayode has entered a plea of not guilty to these charges, setting the stage for a contested legal battle. The court was informed that the passengers, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, were asleep at the time of the collision, underscoring their vulnerability and the sudden nature of the impact. The outcome of this trial will have significant implications for Kayode, potentially leading to severe penalties if found guilty, and will also bring a measure of closure or further anguish to the families of the deceased. The legal process is meticulously examining the circumstances leading to the fatal incident.

Inspector Christopher Ajayi Taiwo's Testimony

Inspector Christopher Ajayi Taiwo of the Ogun State Motor Traffic Division provided key testimony, detailing the initial findings of the police investigation. His account highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement, noting that both vehicles involved in the crash had been removed from the scene before police arrived. This early removal could complicate the reconstruction of the accident, potentially affecting the collection of crucial forensic evidence. Despite this, investigators were able to recover wreckage and spilled soya beans from the road, indicating the nature of the collision.

Further items recovered from the crash site included a vehicle logbook, painkillers, and an energy drink found near the driver's side of the Lexus. These items, while seemingly minor, could potentially offer insights into the driver's state or the conditions leading up to the accident. Inspector Taiwo's testimony is crucial for establishing the factual basis of the prosecution's case, providing the court with the official police perspective on the events that transpired in Ogun State in December 2025. The police efforts to gather evidence continue to be a central part of the legal process.

Anthony Joshua's Statement

A significant point of contention during the court hearing was the absence of a statement from Anthony Joshua, who survived the crash. Kayode's lawyer directly questioned the police witness, Inspector Ajayi, about why the prominent boxer had not yet been interviewed. Inspector Ajayi explained that officers were still actively trying to obtain Joshua's statement, attributing the delay to not having his phone number. This raises questions about the thoroughness of the initial investigative outreach, given Joshua's public profile and direct involvement as a survivor.

Joshua's testimony could be vital in corroborating or challenging aspects of the prosecution's narrative, offering a first-hand account of the moments leading up to and during the crash. His family connections to Sagamu in Ogun State, near the accident site, further underscore his personal link to the tragedy. Following the deaths of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, Joshua publicly paid tribute to them on social media, acknowledging the profound loss and the pain felt by their families. The court has adjourned the hearing until September 10, indicating that the investigation and legal proceedings are far from concluded, with Joshua's potential statement remaining a key outstanding element.