Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver for Nigerian-British boxer Anthony Joshua, has been formally charged in connection with a fatal road accident that occurred on December 29, 2025. The incident, which took place on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in the Makun area of Ogun State, tragically claimed the lives of two of Joshua's close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

The Ogun State Police Command announced on Friday, January 2, 2026, that Kayode, aged 46/47, was arraigned before the Sagamu Magistrate Court. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the arraignment, stating that the case has been adjourned until January 20, 2026, for trial. Kayode had been taken into custody following the accident, with the investigation determining his culpability.

The driver faced four count charges, which include dangerous driving causing death (manslaughter), reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention resulting in bodily harm and property damage, and driving without a valid National Driver’s Licence. These charges are contrary to Sections 5(1), 6(1), 7(1), and 10(1) of the Federal Highway Act, as applicable in Ogun State. Kayode pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Chief Magistrate O. M. Somefun granted the suspect bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties. However, Kayode was remanded at the Correctional Centre, Sagamu, until he meets the specified bail conditions. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had initially attributed the accident to overspeeding and wrongful overtaking, which led to the Lexus SUV colliding with a stationary truck on the highway.

Anthony Joshua himself sustained minor injuries in the crash and was discharged from a Lagos medical facility on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. He is currently recuperating and mourning the loss of his companions. Sina Ghami was identified as Joshua’s strength coach, and Latif Ayodele was his personal trainer or close friend. Their remains have been returned to their families for burial.

The arrest and charging of the driver have sparked some debate, with Menzie Abia faulting the government's approach. Abia insisted that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode had been Joshua’s trusted Nigerian driver for years, suggesting that if he were reckless, Joshua would not have retained him. Abia pointed to government incompetence, citing the lack of proper highway shoulders, traffic signs, speed limit signs, and hazard warnings for parked trucks on federal highways, blaming these deficiencies for the accident rather than the driver.

In the wake of the tragedy, condolences have poured in. President Bola Tinubu expressed his sorrow on social media, describing the crash as a tragic loss and extending prayers for Joshua's recovery and for the repose of the departed souls. Boxing rival Jake Paul also sent a message of condolence via his official X handle, expressing deep sadness for the incident and offering prayers to the families and friends of the deceased, as well as to Anthony Joshua.