STWF Sports | Jan. 2, 2026 – Authorities in Nigeria have formally charged the driver involved in the fatal car crash that claimed the lives of two members of Anthony Joshua’s inner circle, marking a significant development in a tragedy that has shaken the boxing world.
Joshua’s longtime personal trainer Latif Ayodele and sport and exercise rehabilitation coach Sina Ghami were killed on Monday when the vehicle they were traveling in collided with a stationary truck on the hard shoulder of a major roadway in Ogun State, Nigeria. Both men were integral parts of Joshua’s training and support structure, and their deaths sent shockwaves through the global boxing community.
On Friday, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrate Court, where he was charged with causing death by reckless and dangerous driving. Kayode was the driver of the vehicle carrying Joshua’s team members at the time of the crash.
According to police, the truck involved in the collision was parked on the hard shoulder, a factor that has drawn attention as investigators piece together the circumstances surrounding the accident. The case is now proceeding through the Nigerian legal system as authorities seek to determine accountability for the incident.
Police spokesman Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed the charge and outlined the conditions set by the court.
“The defendant was granted bail in the sum of five million naira (£2,579) with two sureties,” Babaseyi told AFP. “He was remanded pending when he meets his bail condition.”
The ruling means Kayode will remain in custody until the bail requirements are fulfilled, while the legal process continues. Under Nigerian law, a conviction for reckless and dangerous driving resulting in death carries serious criminal penalties, underscoring the gravity of the case.
The tragedy has cast a long shadow over what had been a positive period in Joshua’s professional career. The former two-time heavyweight world champion had been in Nigeria following a December victory that reignited momentum in his comeback campaign. Instead, the trip ended in profound loss, with Joshua mourning two trusted figures who had played key roles in his preparation and longevity at the elite level.
Ayodele, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, had worked closely with the British boxer for years, helping him maintain peak physical condition through multiple world title reigns and career-defining bouts. Ghami, a specialist in sport and exercise rehabilitation, was equally valued, particularly for his role in injury prevention and recovery during the later stages of Joshua’s career.
Tributes poured in earlier this week from across the boxing world, with fighters, trainers, and promoters expressing condolences and support for Joshua and the families of the victims. The deaths of Ayodele and Ghami were widely described as a devastating loss not only to Joshua’s team but to the sport as a whole.
For Joshua, the emotional toll has been significant. While the boxer has remained out of the public eye since the incident, those close to him have described him as deeply affected by the loss of two men who were both professional collaborators and personal friends.
The charging of the driver represents a critical step in the search for justice, but it does little to ease the pain felt by those left behind. Legal proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with further hearings likely as prosecutors build their case.
As the boxing world watches developments from Nigeria, the focus remains on honoring the memories of Ayodele and Ghami—two behind-the-scenes figures whose work contributed to one of the sport’s most recognizable champions. Their absence leaves a void that extends far beyond the ring, a reminder of how quickly triumph can be overshadowed by tragedy.
