Driver In Anthony Joshua Crash Charged After Fatal Nigeria Highway Tragedy

Anthony Joshua being rescued from his car crash site (X)

Nigerian police have charged the driver of the car carrying British boxing star Anthony Joshua following a fatal highway crash that killed two passengers.

Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was on Friday charged with reckless driving, dangerous driving causing death, and multiple other offences, including driving without a valid licence and causing bodily harm and property damage, police in Ogun State confirmed.

The crash occurred Monday on the busy Lagos–Ibadan highway, when the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and two friends slammed into a stationary truck.

Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami were killed instantly, while Joshua and the driver escaped with minor injuries.

Authorities say excessive speed and a tyre burst are believed to have caused the crash, with the vehicle reportedly travelling at high speed before losing control.

Kayode has been granted bail set at five million naira ($3,500) but remains in custody until conditions are met. He is due to appear in court on January 20.

The tragedy has shaken Joshua’s inner circle. The former heavyweight champion was seen days later at a funeral home with his mother as preparations were made to repatriate the bodies of his friends to the UK.

The incident has once again spotlighted Nigeria’s road safety crisis, particularly on one of its most dangerous highways, notorious for speeding, poor vehicle maintenance and parked heavy trucks.

For now, investigators continue to piece together the events of a crash that claimed two lives and barely spared the life of another.

(with AFP inputs)