Anthony Joshua’s Uncle Questions Prosecution Of Driver In Fatal Crash

The driver involved in the road accident that injured heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua and led to the deaths of two of his closely knitted associates appeared before a court in Ogun State on Tuesday.

The defendant, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was driving a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and two others when the vehicle crashed into a stationary truck along the Sagamu–Ibadan axis on December 29.

Kayode is facing multiple charges, including reckless driving and driving without a valid licence.He appeared briefly before the court in Sagamu, dressed in dark clothing and keeping a low profile as journalists gathered outside the courtroom. The case was adjourned until February 25 after prosecutors requested additional time. His lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, said the adjournment was agreed to in the interest of justice.

Speaking after the court proceedings, Adedamola Joshua, the boxer’s uncle, questioned whether pursuing the case was necessary, even as he acknowledged public pressure for accountability.

“We are very fortunate that our son is alive,” he said. “But personally, I do not see any strong reason why this matter must go to trial.”He added that while the family is grateful that their son, Anthony Joshua made it out of the accident alive, he believes road accidents can happen anywhere, many residents of the area feel strongly that the driver should be held responsible.“

The feeling around here is that he must be prosecuted,” Adedamola Joshua noted, adding that allegations of overspeeding had influenced public opinion.

Officials from the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) earlier disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated the vehicle was travelling at high speed before a tyre burst caused the fatal crash.

Police confirmed that Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami died at the scene, while Joshua and Kayode sustained minor injuries. Ghami was reportedly Joshua’s long-serving strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer.

Adedamola Joshua also revealed that Kayode had served as his nephew’s driver for about three years without any prior complaints.

Anthony Joshua, a British national of Nigerian heritage, is known to visit southwest Nigeria regularly, where he maintains close ties with family and friends.