Anthony Joshua's Driver Charged Over Fatal Crash in Nigeria
British boxer and former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was injured in a fatal car crash in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two of his team members. The driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, has been charged with reckless and dangerous driving, among other charges, by Nigerian police.
Background
The accident occurred on Monday on a busy highway linking Lagos and Ibadan in southwest Nigeria. Joshua, along with his friends and team members Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, were travelling in a Lexus SUV, driven by Kayode. The vehicle rammed into a stationary truck, resulting in the fatal accident. The crash left Joshua with minor injuries and led to the deaths of Ayodele and Ghami.
The Charges and Court Appearance
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode has been charged with dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid national driver’s license. The charges were officially announced on Friday by the Nigerian police in Ogun state. Kayode made his first appearance in connection with the accident at the Sagamu Magistrate Court on the same day. He is due to appear in court again on 20 January.
Reaction and Aftermath
The fatal crash has raised questions about road safety in Nigeria. In a statement, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu extended his condolences to Joshua and affirmed that he had personally spoken with the boxer. He also identified the deceased as Joshua's close associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, in his statement.
Joshua, a three-time heavyweight champion, was released from hospital on Wednesday. He had been admitted following the accident, with authorities stating that he was clinically fit to recover at home.
Current Status
Despite the tragic loss of his friends, Joshua is reported to be in stable condition after the crash. The accident, however, has deeply affected the boxing community and Joshua's fans worldwide. The investigation of the circumstances of the collision is still ongoing, and further updates are expected following Kayode's court appearance later this month.