The driver of former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been formally charged following a tragic road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of the boxer’s close team members, police have confirmed.

Authorities say Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State on Friday in connection with the crash, which occurred earlier this week on the busy Lagos–Ibadan expressway.

Joshua was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the incident and sustained injuries but has since been discharged from hospital.

Charges Filed Over Deadly Highway Collision

Police sources told the BBC that prosecutors have filed four charges against Mr Kayode, including:

• Causing death by dangerous driving
• Reckless and negligent driving
• Driving without due care and attention
• Driving without a valid driver’s licence

The defendant was granted bail set at 5,000,000 naira (£2,578) and remains in custody pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions. The case has been adjourned until 20 January.

Crash Killed Two of Joshua’s Closest Team Members

The crash occurred on Monday when a Lexus SUV, carrying Joshua and his entourage, collided with a stationary truck on the highway near Sagamu, close to Lagos.

Two members of Joshua’s long-standing support team were killed instantly:

• Latif Ayodele, Joshua’s personal trainer
• Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene, while Joshua was photographed being assisted from the wreckage before being transported to hospital for treatment.

Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps later released images showing the heavily damaged SUV at the crash site, surrounded by emergency responders.

Joshua “Heavy Hearted” After Loss of Close Friends

In a joint statement, officials from Ogun and Lagos states said Joshua was “heavy hearted” following the deaths of Ayodele and Ghami, who were described as not only colleagues but close personal friends.

After being discharged from hospital on Wednesday, Joshua visited the funeral home where the bodies of the two men were being prepared for repatriation, according to the statement.

Just hours before the crash, Joshua had shared a video on Instagram showing him playing table tennis with Ayodele, a post that has since drawn an outpouring of condolences from fans around the world.

Tributes Pour In From Boxing World

Long-time promoter Eddie Hearn, who has worked with Joshua for more than a decade, paid tribute to both men on social media.

“Rest in peace Latz and Sina,” Hearn wrote. “Your energy and loyalty will be deeply missed. Praying for strength and guidance for all their family, friends, and of course AJ during this very difficult time.”

American boxer and influencer Jake Paul, whom Joshua defeated on 19 December, also shared a message of support.

“Life is much more important than boxing,” Paul wrote on X. “I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and anyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”

Joshua Was Visiting Family in Ogun State

Joshua, 36, was born in Watford, England, but has strong family ties to Sagamu, the town near where the crash occurred. A family member told the BBC that the boxer was travelling to visit relatives for New Year celebrations at the time of the accident.

The boxer had been spending time in Nigeria following his recent high-profile victory, combining rest, training, and family visits during the holiday period.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities say investigations into the circumstances of the crash are continuing, while court proceedings against the driver move forward later this month.

The tragedy has cast a sombre shadow over what had recently been a successful period in Joshua’s boxing career, with tributes continuing to pour in for two men widely regarded as integral to his professional and personal life.