By Chalien Dantes

The chauffeur who was driving Anthony Joshua when a tragic crash claimed the lives of two of the boxer’s close friends has appeared before a court in Nigeria.

Adeniyi Kayode, 46, arrived at the Sagamu Magistrates Court in Ogun State on Tuesday in connection with the December 29, 2025, collision that killed Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami. The pair were travelling with the former heavyweight champion when their Lexus SUV struck a stationary lorry on the busy Lagos and Ibadan expressway.

Joshua was injured in the crash and taken to hospital, where he received treatment before being discharged two days later. Ayodele and Ghami were pronounced dead at the scene,

The case was adjourned until February 25  after prosecutors requested additional time to seek legal guidance.

The driver is facing multiple charges, including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s licence. He was earlier released on bail set at five million naira (£2,600).

Joshua, who was born in Watford but has family ties to Sagamu, was travelling to the Ogun State town to spend the New Year with relatives when the crash occurred, turning what should have been a festive visit into a devastating loss.