New details in fatal car accident involving Anthony Joshua

OGUN STATE, Nigeria — The driver involved in the fatal car crash that injured Anthony Joshua and killed two of his close friends has been formally charged with four criminal offenses, Nigerian authorities confirmed Friday.

Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion. Was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck on the notoriously dangerous Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Dec. 29. The crash claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both members of Joshua’s strength and conditioning team and close personal friends.

Driver charged with multiple offenses

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, has been charged with four offences:

• Dangerous driving causing death
• Reckless driving
• Driving without due care and attention causing bodily harm and damage to property
• Driving without a valid national driver’s license

Kayode was arraigned at the Sagamu Magistrates Court early Friday. The case has been adjourned until Jan. 20.

Authorities confirmed that the defendant was granted bail in the sum of five million Nigerian naira approximately $3,479 (£2,582) and has been remanded pending fulfillment of the bail conditions.

Joshua, 36, was seated behind the driver at the time of the crash and survived with minor injuries. He was taken to hospital shortly after the collision, which occurred around 11 a.m. local time, and was discharged on Wednesday to continue his recovery at home.

The driver also survived the crash.

Joshua, whose parents are Nigerian, had been holidaying in the country with Ghami and Ayodele following his Dec. 19 victory over Jake Paul in Miami. Reports indicate the group was traveling to Sagamu a town in Ogun State where they planned to celebrate the New Year with family members.

A tragic end to a holiday trip

The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most dangerous highways due to heavy traffic, speeding and frequent collisions. In this case, police allege the Lexus SUV struck a stationary truck, resulting in the fatal impact.

For Joshua, the incident represents a devastating personal loss. Coming just days after a career-reviving victory and during what was meant to be a period of rest and celebration.

As legal proceedings continue. Tributes have poured in across the boxing world for Ghami and Ayodele two figures described by those close to Joshua as integral to both his physical preparation and his inner circle.

Joshua and his team have not issued a further public statement as of Friday.