Nigerian police have charged Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the December 29 crash that injured British professional boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two members of his training team. 

Kayode appeared at Sagamu Magistrate Court after the Ogun State Police Command arraigned him on four counts, including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid national driver’s licence. 

The collision happened on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway when the SUV struck a stationary truck, police and traffic authorities said. Two of Joshua’s close associates — strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and trainer Latif (Kevin) Ayodele were pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary findings from the Federal Road Safety Corps and local traffic authorities cited excessive speed and an improper overtaking manoeuvre as contributing factors.

Kayode was granted bail of 5 million naira (about $3400) with two sureties. This means the defendant is released from custody only after two people agree to act as guarantors. Those two sureties promise the court they’ll make sure the defendant shows up for future hearings. If the defendant skips court, the sureties can be held responsible, financially or otherwise, up to the amount of the bail or face penalties. Kayode remained in custody until the bail conditions were met. The case has been adjourned to Jan. 20. 

Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for checks and was later discharged after being deemed clinically fit to recuperate, officials said. This horrific accident occurred just days after Joshua’s Miami fight win against Jake Paul. 

According to local media and statements from the driver’s lawyer and family, Kayode plead not guilty and denied any reckless conduct. Some local outlets reported the family contends mechanical failure may have played a role, though police investigators have pointed to speed and an unsafe overtaking attempt in preliminary accounts. These claims and the official investigation remain separate, and the court process will determine legal responsibility as prosecutors proceed. 

As the legal case moves forward, Nigerian authorities and traffic agencies continue to highlight road safety issues on the Lagos–Ibadan route. The deadly accident has renewed calls for better highway enforcement and clearer roadside safeguards to prevent similar tragedies.