SAGAMU, Nigeria — A court hearing in Ogun State has heard claims that world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua avoided death in a road collision after changing seats in his sport utility vehicle shortly before the crash that killed two members of his team.
The Daily Mail reported that Joshua moved from the front passenger seat to the back of the vehicle before the accident, which resulted in the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, only hours after they arrived in Nigeria for a holiday.
The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 47, appeared at Sagamu High Court on Friday, January 2, 2026 where he pleaded not guilty to four counts brought by the Ogun State Police Command, including dangerous driving causing death.
The case was adjourned to Tuesday, January 20, this year for trial.
Kayode, who has worked for Joshua for more than three years, was charged with dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without care and attention, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
He pleaded not guilty to all counts and claimed the brakes failed.
He was granted bail set at ₦5,000,000 with two sureties and was taken to Sagamu Correctional Centre for paperwork to be completed.
The Daily Mail report said Kayode did not have a valid driver’s licence at the time of the crash.
Olalekan Abiodun, Kayode’s lawyer, told the newspaper: “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.
‘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.‘
“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.
“From what I understand, Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony.”
According to the report, Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom and is recuperating at home.
The funerals of Ghami, described as Joshua’s strength coach, and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele are scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at London Central Mosque.
It was reported that Joshua arrived at London Stansted Airport on Friday night.
The Daily Mail said it was unclear whether he would attend the funeral.
