Sports
Anthony Joshua’s Driver in Fatal Car Crash Charged By Police
The driver of the car in the fatal crash that injured Anthony Joshua and killed two of his close friends has now been charged by Nigerian police. Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode was charged in court earlier today (Friday), with the case adjourned until January 20 for trial.
The Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his two friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, is believed to have suffered a tyre blowout during a high-speed overtaking manoeuvre before crashing into the truck. Officials say the vehicle involved has been seized and is being held at the Federal Road Safety Corps office at the Sagamu interchange as the investigation continues.
Joshua’s driver, Kayode, was also taken to hospital but was discharged from hospital and has since been required to give a police statement. In a new development, as per Sky Sports, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the 46-year-old has now been charged in court.
Joshua’s Driver Kayode Charged For Dangerous Driving Causing Death
In the aftermath of the crash, reports suggested that Joshua’s driver could face prosecution for reckless driving. A source from the Federal Road Safety Corps said: “Preliminary reports indicate the driver exceeded speed limits and overtook dangerously before the crash. These are serious offences under Nigerian law and can attract criminal liability if fatalities are involved.”
In a new development, it’s now been confirmed that he has been charged on four counts. The charges are dangerous driving causing death; reckless and negligent driving; driving without due care and attention (causing bodily harm and damage to property); and driving without a valid national driver’s licence. The defendant was granted bail in the sum of 5,000,000 Naira (£2,578) and was remanded pending his bail conditions being met.
Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps highlighted ‘excessive speed’ and ‘wrongful overtaking’ as the main factors behind the crash, noting: “The primary causes of the crash being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways.”
Joshua Discharged From Hospital As His Camp Calls For ‘Space and Privacy’
Joshua has since been discharged from the Duchess International Hospital in Lagos, where he had stayed in the immediate aftermath of the crash. It’s understood that he said, “I feel pain all over my body”, upon being rescued from the wreckage.
Although he was said to have suffered minor injuries, there are concerns that reports have
downplayed the amount of damage he actually suffered. The boxer was in visible agony right after the crash in footage which was posted online by bystanders. What’s more, the mental toll this trauma could have on him should not be underestimated.
A statement from his camp has asked for ‘space and privacy be given to the families at this time while they process this truly shocking and devastating news.’
