Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death after changing seats moments before a fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends, a court has heard.
The shocking details emerged at the Sagamu High Court during the arraignment of Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 47, who pleaded not guilty to all charges arising from the crash on what was described as one of Nigeria’s most deadly roads.
The accident claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif” Ayodele, just hours after they arrived in Nigeria for a holiday. Joshua, who was hospitalised following the crash, survived after reportedly moving from the front passenger seat to the back of the SUV shortly before impact.
According to evidence presented in court and reported by the Daily Mail, the journey began in Lagos, with Joshua initially seated in front beside the driver. However, the driver later asked him to move.
Kayode’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, said:
“My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident, I haven’t had a full chance to speak with him yet but I know he is saying the brakes did not work.”
He added:
“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.”
Explaining why, Abiodun said:
“He did this because Anthony is a big fellow and he couldn’t see the wing mirror properly so he asked him to move and he sat behind the driver.”
He further disclosed that Latif Ayodele was originally seated at the back before swapping places with Joshua.
“From what I understand Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony.”
The court also heard that Kayode did not have a valid driver’s licence at the time of the crash. He was charged on four counts, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
Kayode, who has worked for Joshua for more than three years, appeared in court wearing a black Muslim kaftan and pleaded not guilty as family members looked on. He claimed the vehicle’s brakes failed and that he attempted to avoid a truck allegedly parked illegally by the roadside.
Bail was set at ₦5 million, with the court noting that under Nigeria’s legal system, cash payment was not required and valuables could be used instead. Kayode was later escorted to Sagamu Correctional Centre for bail documentation.
Outside the court, Kayode’s wife was reportedly too distraught to speak, while his son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, 19, defended his father.
He said:
“The family is very upset by what’s happened and we are sorry for the deaths of the two people.”
He added:
“Dad is not a fast driver, he was following the speed limit and then the brakes failed, he said he was pushing the pedal but nothing was happening.”
According to him,
“He tries to swerve and avoid the truck parked by the side of the road but hit it.”
Ifeoluwa also said the journey was nearing its end:
“He was taking Anthony to see his family in Sagamu and had picked them up from the airport and they were only a few minutes from arriving.”
The case was adjourned until January 20 for trial.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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