Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death after swapping seats moments before a fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends, with his long-time chauffeur charged.
The two-time heavyweight world champion was travelling in a black SUV near Lagos on Monday when the vehicle crashed into a stationary truck. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital, while Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele were killed in the collision.
Latif Ayodele (left) and Sina Ghami (right) were close friends and team members of Anthony Joshua.Photo Credit: AJ/ Instagram
New revelations heard in court suggest Joshua had initially been sitting in the front passenger seat before being asked to move shortly before the crash.
Kayode Adeniyi, 46, who has worked as Joshua’s chauffeur for more than three years, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrate Court wearing a black Muslim kaftan and pleaded not guilty to four charges, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
Wreckage of the SUV: Photo Credit: Federal Road safety Corps.
The driver’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, insisted the crash was an accident caused by brake failure.
“My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident,” Abiodun told the Daily Mail.
“I haven’t had a full chance to speak with him yet but I know he is saying the brakes did not work.”
He also confirmed the seat swap that placed Joshua in the back of the vehicle.
“I also understand that the journey started in Lagos and that initially Anthony had got into the front seat but the driver asked him to swap seats.”
Anthony Joshua moments after the horrific crash. Photo Credit: Sodiq/Reuters
Further details were provided by Adeniyi’s son, Ifeoluwa, who said his father’s view was obstructed by Joshua’s size.
“I know that when the journey started in Lagos Anthony was sitting in the front by the driver,” the 19-year-old said.
“But my dad asked him to sit behind because he was blocking his view.”
Ifeoluwa insisted his father was not speeding and attempted to avoid the crash.
“Dad is not a fast driver, he was following the speed limit and then the brakes failed, he was pushing the pedal but nothing was happening.”
“He tried to swerve and avoid the truck parked by the side of the road but hit it.”
He added that the family was devastated by the tragedy and expressed sympathy for the victims.
“The family is very upset by what’s happened and we are sorry for the deaths of the two people.”
Wreckage of the SUV: Photo Credit: Sodiq/Reuters
Defending his father’s driving record, Ifeoluwa said: “He’s been driving for Anthony for three years, he’s a good driver.”
He also suggested the parked truck played a role in the crash.
“It’s not his fault, if the truck wasn’t parked there illegally this wouldn’t have happened.”
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Joshua was discharged from hospital on Wednesday, 31 December, and later visited a Lagos funeral home with his mother to pay his final respects to Ayodele and Ghami before their bodies were repatriated to the United Kingdom later that night.
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Adeniyi was granted bail in the sum of ₦5,000,000, with two sureties required, but remains in custody pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions. His case has been adjourned until 20 January.
