Ogun Police Arraign Lexus Driver in Crash That Killed Two of Anthony Joshua’s Friends; Case Adjourned to January 20

The Ogun State Police Command has arraigned Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the accident that claimed the lives of two close associates of former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The case has been adjourned to January 20, 2026, to allow for further proceedings.

Kayode was charged before a Sagamu Magistrate Court on Friday, according to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi. In a statement issued in Abeokuta, Babaseyi confirmed the adjournment and stated that the case will continue on January 20.

The arraignment followed Kayode’s arrest two days after the crash, which occurred on December 29, 2025, near Danco along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The accident claimed the lives of Kevin Latif Ayodele, 36, a British-Nigerian citizen, and Sina Ghami, 36, a British citizen, both colleagues and training staff of Joshua.

Kayode, a long-standing member of Joshua’s Nigerian logistics team, was discharged from a Lagos hospital on New Year’s Eve after treatment for minor injuries and was then taken to Abeokuta for questioning at the state police headquarters.

Police sources indicated that Kayode was allegedly driving above the 65mph speed limit when a tyre burst during an overtaking manoeuvre. The Lexus SUV, with registration number KRD 850 HN, reportedly collided with an illegally parked truck carrying soya beans. The impact tore off the nearside section of the vehicle, killing Ghami and Ayodele instantly. Joshua, seated behind the driver, and Kayode sustained only minor injuries. Local responders described Joshua’s survival as a “miracle.”

“The driver was released after treatment for minor injuries and taken to the state police headquarters for questioning. He is in stable condition and has provided his account of the events leading to the crash,” a police source said. Kayode was expected to be charged with reckless driving, though proceedings were delayed due to the holiday period.

The Lagos and Ogun state governments confirmed that Joshua had been discharged from Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, after doctors declared him fit to continue recuperation at home. In a joint statement, officials said Joshua and his mother visited a Lagos funeral home to pay respects to the deceased before their bodies were repatriated. The bodies were flown on a Turkish Airlines cargo flight to Istanbul early on New Year’s Day and later transported to London for final burial arrangements.

Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State expressed appreciation for public support and prayers following the incident. They also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support and commended the medical personnel at Lagoon Hospital for their professionalism.

The accident occurred around 11 a.m. on December 29, when Joshua and his friends were travelling from Lagos to an undisclosed destination. The trio had arrived in Nigeria earlier that day from London via Virgin Atlantic.

The crash followed Joshua’s high-profile fight against Jake Paul, which ended in a sixth-round knockout victory for the former champion. Several Nigerian and international sports figures, including Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, sent condolences and wished Joshua a speedy recovery.

Police confirmed that the driver of the illegally parked truck is still at large, and a manhunt has been launched. Investigations into the crash are ongoing, with authorities expected to provide updates as the case progresses. The next court sitting on January 20 will clarify the charges against Kayode and the findings of the police investigation.