Revealed: The last-minute decision that saved Anthony Joshua’s life

Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death after a split-second decision moments before a fatal road crash that claimed the lives of two of his friends, fresh court revelations have shown.

The world heavyweight champion was travelling in an SUV from Lagos to Sagamu with his driver and two companions when the crash occurred on one of Nigeria’s deadliest highways. Initially seated in the front passenger seat, Joshua reportedly moved to the back just before the collision, a decision that, according to his driver’s lawyer, may have saved his life.

The crash killed Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, who had just arrived in Nigeria for a holiday. Joshua was hospitalised but survived with minor injuries.

The dramatic details emerged during the arraignment of Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 47, at Sagamu High Court. Kayode, who did not have a valid driver’s licence at the time, pleaded not guilty to charges including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, and driving without care and attention.

The driver’s lawyer told Daily Mail that Anthony Joshua initially sat in the front, but Kayode asked him to move to the back because he couldn’t see properly due to Joshua’s size. Latif Ayodele then took the front seat, a swap that would prove critical.

“The driver said the brakes failed while trying to avoid a stationary truck on the roadside,” the lawyer said. “Anthony moved to the back as instructed, and Latif sat in front. That split-second action changed everything.”

Kayode, who has worked for Joshua for over three years, was granted bail set at ₦5 million. The case has been adjourned to January 20 for trial.

Outside the court, Kayode’s family maintained his innocence. His 19-year-old son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, said: “My dad is not reckless. He said the brakes failed while he tried to stop. If that truck wasn’t illegally parked, this wouldn’t have happened. He was taking Anthony to see family and they were only minutes from their destination.”