Anthony Joshua's driver attempted overtake before fatal crash, trial hears

The court was told that the group — who had been travelling to visit Joshua's father in Ogun State, near Lagos, last December — were asleep when Kayode lost control of his Lexus SUV while overtaking a moving truck and collided with a parked lorry.

Joshua's personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami, died in the crash.

A second defendant, Abubakar Adamu, 35, the driver of the stationary lorry the car collided with, denies a charge against him of obstructing the free flow of traffic.

Inspector Christopher Ajayi Taiwo of the Ogun State Motor Traffic Division told the court that by the time he arrived at the scene, both the damaged Lexus and the stationary lorry had been removed. However, debris from the crash and soya beans scattered on the road from the lorry's load were found by officers.

The only items recovered from the Lexus were a logbook, painkillers, and an energy drink, which were found near the driver's side, Ajayi said.

Why This Matters

The case involves a global sports figure, Anthony Joshua, and the tragic loss of two members of his close team.
It highlights road safety issues in Nigeria, where serious traffic accidents are common.
The trial will determine legal accountability for the deaths of Ayodele and Ghami.

Background

Ogun State, in southwestern Nigeria, is a key transport corridor linking Lagos to other parts of the country. Road accidents are frequent in Nigeria, often attributed to speeding, poor road conditions, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws. The December crash occurred as Joshua and his entourage were travelling to visit his father.

Key Perspectives

Prosecution: Alleging that Kayode drove dangerously by attempting an overtake and caused the fatal collision, and that he did not have a valid driver's licence. Defence (Kayode): Denies charges of causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a licence. The court has heard that passengers were asleep at the time of the crash. Defendant (Abubakar Adamu): Denies obstructing traffic; his parked lorry was involved in the collision.

What to Watch

Testimony from the police and any other witnesses presented by the prosecution.
Whether the court determines that Kayode's overtaking manoeuvre was the primary cause of the crash.
The outcome of the charge against Adamu for obstructing traffic.

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