FRESH details have emerged surrounding the fatal road accident involving former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, revealing that the boxer may have narrowly escaped death after swapping seats moments before the crash that claimed the lives of his two close associates.
According to a report by the Daily Mail sighted by News Point Nigeria, Joshua initially occupied the front passenger seat of the Lexus SUV before switching to the back seat shortly before the vehicle smashed into a stationary truck along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in the Makun area of Ogun State.
The crash, which occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, killed Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, and his personal trainer, Latif “Latz” Ayodele, just hours after the pair arrived in Nigeria for a holiday.
The report also revealed that Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, did not possess a valid driver’s licence at the time of the accident.
Kayode, 47, was arraigned on Friday before a Sagamu High Court by the Ogun State Police Command, where he was charged with four counts, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
At the hearing, Kayode pleaded not guilty to all charges, insisting that the incident was an accident caused by brake failure.
Dressed in a black Muslim kaftan and accompanied by members of his family, the defendant told the court he was innocent.
His counsel, Olalekan Abiodun, told the Daily Mail that the crash was not deliberate.
“My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident. I haven’t had a full chance to speak with him yet, but I know he is saying the brakes did not work,” Abiodun said.
The lawyer further disclosed how Joshua’s seat change may have saved his life.
“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 couldn’t see the wing mirror properly, so he asked him to move.
“Anthony then sat behind the driver. From what I understand, Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony.”
Following the plea, the court granted Kayode bail in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties. He was subsequently taken to the Sagamu Correctional Centre for administrative processing. The case was adjourned until January 20, 2026, for trial.
Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua has since returned to the United Kingdom, where he is said to be recovering at his home after sustaining minor injuries in the crash. The boxer reportedly landed at London Stansted Airport on Friday night.
It remains unclear whether Joshua will attend the funeral of his slain friends.
The Janaza (funeral) prayers for Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele have been scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in London.
A statement released on Saturday by Boxing King Media announced that the funeral service would begin at 10am at the London Central Mosque, located at 146 Park Road, London NW8 7RG.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones,” the statement read.
The bodies of both men were repatriated to the United Kingdom following the tragic incident.
The funeral is expected to draw members of the boxing community, family, friends and associates who will gather to pay their final respects to Ghami and Ayodele, whose deaths have cast a pall over the sport.
The tragedy has continued to generate widespread reactions both in Nigeria and abroad, as investigations proceed into the circumstances surrounding the accident that claimed two lives and narrowly spared one of boxing’s most recognisable figures.