The family of former two-time heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has questioned the prosecution of his driver following a tragic car crash in Ogun State that claimed the lives of two of the boxer’s close aides.
The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared before a court in Sagamu on Tuesday on charges of reckless driving and driving without a licence over the December 29 accident.
Kayode was reportedly driving Joshua alongside two of his associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when their Lexus SUV rammed into a stationary truck on a highway in the state.
While the boxer survived the crash with minor injuries, Ayodele and Ghami were pronounced dead at the scene. Ghami was Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer.
Speaking at the boxer’s family home, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, said the family did not see the need for a 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,” he said.
“This is my own personal opinion that the trial is not really worth it, because we think accidents can happen anywhere in the world.”
However, he acknowledged that members of the host community believed the driver should face prosecution, citing allegations of overspeeding.
The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency had earlier said preliminary investigations showed the vehicle was travelling at excessive speed and suffered a burst tyre before colliding with the truck.
Kayode, dressed in black trousers and a hoodie, appeared subdued as he avoided journalists’ cameras outside the courtroom.
His court appearance was brief, as the trial judge adjourned the matter until February 25 following a request by the prosecution.
Speaking to journalists, Kayode’s counsel, Olalekan Abiodun, said he agreed to the adjournment “in the interest of justice.”
Joshua’s uncle added that Kayode had driven his nephew for about three years without any prior complaints.
Anthony Joshua, a British national of Nigerian heritage, frequently visits southwest Nigeria, where he has family and friends.
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