A last-minute decision by former unified heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua’s driver may have saved the two-time world champion’s life in a car crash that killed two of his friends.
Here’s what’s emerged about what Anthony Joshua did before the fatal car crash, based on driver statements and police/lawyer accounts:
He swapped seats with one of his companions just before the journey continued.
According to the driver’s lawyer, Joshua originally sat in the front passenger seat, but was asked to move to the back because his size was reportedly blocking the driver’s view of the wing mirror. He complied and sat behind the driver shortly before the crash occurred. Legit.ng – Nigeria news.
The trip was part of his plans after arriving in Nigeria.
Joshua had been in the country following a recent boxing victory and was being driven to visit family — the crash happened just minutes before they were due to arrive at their destination. Naija News
The vehicle collided with a stationary truck during the drive.
Preliminary reports say the Lexus SUV lost control and hit a parked truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway — a crash that killed two of his close associates and trainers, while Joshua was injured but survived. ESPN.com
In short: before the crash, Joshua had complied with a last-minute seat change that may have helped save his life, and was en route to see family when the vehicle struck a parked truck. Legit.ng – Nigeria news.
The revelation came from the vehicle’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode (47), who appeared at the Ogun State MultiDoor Court, Sagamu, pleading not guilty to charges including manslaughter, reckless driving, and driving without a licence.
Kayode told the court that Joshua had initially been seated in the front passenger seat but was asked to move behind the driver due to his height and long legs, which were obstructing the driver’s view.
The accident occurred shortly afterwards when the driver claimed he lost control of the brakes and swerved into a parked truck.
Dressed in a black Muslim kaftan, Kayode said: “AJ was initially seated at the front, but due to his height and legs, I advised him to move to the back seat. The journey started smoothly from the airport until I couldn’t feel the brake anymore.”
Outside court, Kayode’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, described the accident as “unfortunate” and confirmed that his client had pleaded not guilty.
Kayode faces four charges, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without care and attention, and driving without a valid driver’s licence. Bail was set at ₦5 million (£2,580) in bonds with four sureties. The trial has been adjourned to 20 January 2026.
The crash claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s companions, Latif Adeyole and Sina Gami, and has sent shockwaves through both the sporting and local communities.
