Anthony Joshua Crash: Family in doubt over driver’s trial

The family of former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has questioned whether prosecuting the driver involved in the car crash that killed two of his friends is “really worth it.”

The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared in a Sagamu court on Tuesday over the December 29 crash that injured Joshua and claimed the lives of his friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

Kayode, who was behind the wheel of the Lexus SUV, faces multiple reckless driving charges and a charge of driving without a license.

Dressed in black trousers and a hoodie, Kayode looked downcast and avoided journalists’ cameras outside the courtroom.

Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, expressed doubts about the necessity of the trial:

“We are very lucky that our son didn’t die. But taking this man to court is something we don’t see any reason for. This is my own personal opinion that the trial is not really worth it. Because we think accidents can happen anywhere in the world.”

He added, however, that the community expects accountability:

“We sense the opinion of the people of the town that this man must be prosecuted. That he was over speeding.”

Investigations by the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) indicated that the SUV was moving at excessive speed and had a burst tyre before colliding with a stationary truck.

Kayode’s court session on Tuesday was brief. The judge adjourned the case to February 25 after the prosecution requested a delay. Kayode’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, said the adjournment was agreed “in the interest of justice.”

According to reports, Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene, while Joshua and Kayode sustained minor injuries. Ghami was Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer.

Adedamola Joshua also noted that Kayode had been Joshua’s driver for three years, with no prior complaints, adding that his nephew frequently visits southwest Nigeria, where much of his family resides.