Anthony Joshua’s uncle has appealed for leniency toward the driver involved in the tragic crash that claimed the lives of two of the boxer’s close friends, stressing that Joshua would not want him imprisoned.
The driver, 46-year-old Adeniyi Kayode, appeared before a magistrate’s court in Sagamu, Ogun State, on January 20 over the December accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which killed Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. Kayode, who was driving a Lexus 570 SUV that collided with a stationary truck, faces multiple charges including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, and driving without a valid national driver’s licence.
The court, presided over by Magistrate Olajumoke Somefu, adjourned the case until February 25 after the prosecution requested more time to transmit the case file to the Ogun State Attorney-General’s Office for legal review. The defence had opposed the adjournment, stating they were ready to proceed, but the court granted the prosecution’s request.
Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, emphasized that the family is not seeking imprisonment for Kayode. “Anthony is very devoted in his faith and approaches everything with patience. He would not want the driver to be punished harshly,” Adedamola said. He noted the close bond between Joshua and Kayode, highlighting the human side of the situation. “This man has a family, children who would suffer if he were jailed. Accidents can happen anywhere, so the best thing is to show compassion and move forward.”
Kayode, who had served as Joshua’s driver for three years, had previously been granted bail of N5 million with two sureties of equal sum. The family’s plea reflects a desire to balance accountability with mercy, underscoring the personal impact of the tragedy while calling for a measured response.
