A last-minute change of seat by the British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua moments before his vehilce crashed in Ogun State has been credited with saving his life.
It would be recalled that Joshua was involved in an accident, which claimed the lives of his two close associates, Ghami and Latif Ayodele, on Monday, December 29, 2025.
Joshua himself sustained only minor injuries and was taken to the hospital, from where he was later discharged.
According to emerging details from court proceedings and statements attributed to the driver’s legal counsel, Joshua initially sat in the front passenger seat of the Lexus SUV at the start of the journey, which reportedly began in Lagos.
However, shortly before the vehicle set off, the driver asked the heavyweight boxer to change seats.
The driver allegedly explained that Joshua’s size made it difficult for him to see properly through the wing mirror. Joshua reportedly agreed and moved to the back seat behind the driver, while another passenger, identified as Latif, occupied the front passenger seat.
That decision has since been described by observers as a twist of fate that may have saved the former world champion’s life.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the driver’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, stated that his client had pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
He added that the driver maintains the crash was an accident and claims the vehicle’s brakes failed.
The lawyer also noted that he had not yet had a full opportunity to speak extensively with his client.
On Friday, January 2, 2026, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, was formally arraigned before the Sagamu Magistrate Court.
In a statement shared on the police command’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, authorities said the case had been adjourned to January 20, 2026.
Police filed four charges against the driver, including causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
The victims, Ghami and Ayodele, were not only long-time friends of Joshua but also integral members of his professional team.
Ghami reportedly served as his strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele worked as a trainer.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn paid tribute to both men, describing them as loyal figures whose energy had a significant impact on Joshua’s career.
Joshua, who was born in Watford to Nigerian parents, had been in Nigeria on holiday following his high-profile victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
He was released from the hospital on New Year’s Eve and has yet to make a personal public statement on the incident.
In a joint update involving Ogun State, Lagos State Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso disclosed that Joshua had been deemed clinically fit to recuperate at home.
The statement also revealed that Joshua and his mother visited a Lagos funeral home to pay their final respects to the deceased ahead of arrangements for repatriation.
The case continues to draw national attention as investigations and legal proceedings progress.
Read Also: ‘Twice in Nigeria this year!’ Anthony Joshua’s late coach boasts in his last video
