Heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua was involved in a tragic car accident in Nigeria that left two of his close companions dead and others injured. The crash occurred on the Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State on December 29, 2025, when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and members of his team collided with a stationary truck.
The vehicle was being driven by Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, who did not have a valid driver’s licence at the time. Kayode has since been charged in court with dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid licence. He was granted bail of five million naira with two sureties, and the case has been adjourned for trial on January 20, 2026.
The crash claimed the lives of Latif “Latz” Ayodele, Joshua’s personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach. Both men died at the scene after the SUV struck the truck. Joshua and the driver sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment; Joshua was later discharged.
Preliminary investigations suggest that excessive speed and an improper overtaking manoeuvre contributed to the loss of control before the collision. Authorities also indicated that a tyre burst may have played a role.
A dramatic detail from the incident is that Joshua had originally been seated in the front passenger seat earlier in the journey. At the driver’s request, he moved to a rear seat so the driver could see better, which possibly reduced the severity of his injuries when the collision occurred.
The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for improved road safety enforcement and adherence to traffic laws in Nigeria, where high rates of road fatalities remain a serious concern.
