British-Nigerian former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua, narrowly escaped death following a fatal road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest intercity highways linking Lagos State and Ogun State, after he reportedly changed seats inside the vehicle moments before the crash.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Monday, claimed the lives of two close associates of the boxing star, identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, a 36-year-old Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, a 36-year-old British citizen. Several other occupants of the vehicle sustained varying degrees of injuries, including Joshua himself, who was later treated in hospital and discharged.
Okay News reports that the development emerged during court proceedings in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria, where the driver of the Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle conveying Joshua, identified as 46-year-old Kayode Adeniyi, was arraigned on multiple criminal charges connected to the accident.
According to legal submissions made in court by the driver’s counsel, Olalekan Abiodun, Anthony Joshua was initially seated in the front passenger seat when the journey began in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. However, the driver allegedly requested that the boxing champion move to the back seat due to visibility challenges.
“My client has pleaded not guilty, and what happened was an accident. I have not had a full chance to speak with him yet, but I know he is saying the brakes did not work,” the lawyer said.
He further explained, “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 could not 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.”
Kayode Adeniyi, who has reportedly worked as Joshua’s personal driver for more than three years, pleaded not guilty to all charges when he appeared before the court, dressed in a black Muslim kaftan, as members of his family observed the proceedings.
The charges filed against him include dangerous driving causing death, reckless driving, negligent driving, and driving without a valid driver’s licence, offences said to be contrary to provisions of Nigeria’s Federal Highway Act.
Outside the courtroom, the driver’s 19-year-old son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, publicly defended his father, insisting that the crash was not a result of recklessness but a mechanical failure.
“Dad is not a fast driver; he was following the speed limit, and then the brakes failed. He tried to swerve and avoid the truck parked by the side of the road, but hit it,” he said.
He added, “He has been driving for Anthony for three years; he is a good driver. When the journey started in Lagos, Anthony was sitting in the front, but my dad asked him to sit behind because he was blocking his view.”
The younger Adeniyi also disclosed that the trip was nearing completion at the time of the accident, noting that they were heading to Sagamu, a major town in Ogun State, to visit family members after picking them up from the airport.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the driver remains in custody, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue.
“The driver of the Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident case is currently in custody. Investigations are ongoing,” said the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi.
The court granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million, with two sureties, and adjourned the case until Tuesday, January 20, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
In a related development, the Lagos State Government and Ogun State Government jointly confirmed on Wednesday that Anthony Joshua had been discharged from hospital following medical treatment for injuries sustained in the accident.
