Anthony Joshua has spoken publicly for the first time since being injured in a serious road traffic accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
The 36-year-old British boxing star was travelling as a passenger in a Lexus SUV when the vehicle crashed into a stationary truck on a major expressway close to Lagos. The collision resulted in the deaths of long-time friends and members of Joshua’s team, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Both men were laid to rest during a funeral service held at a mosque in London on Sunday.
Joshua was taken to hospital following the crash, where he received treatment before being discharged on Wednesday. He returned to the UK later in the week. On Sunday morning, he broke his silence on social media by sharing two images on Instagram. One photograph shows him seated next to his mother and three women, one of whom is holding a picture of Ghami. The post was accompanied by the caption: “My Brother’s Keeper,” suggesting a message of loyalty, remembrance, and grief.
Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, appeared at Sagamu Magistrates’ Court on Friday. According to police sources speaking to the BBC, he has been charged with offences including causing death by dangerous driving. Kayode was granted bail set at five million naira (approximately £2,578) and will remain in custody until the bail conditions are fulfilled. The case has been postponed and is due to resume on 20 January.
Joshua, who was born in Watford, has strong family ties to Sagamu, a town in Ogun State located near where the crash occurred. A family member told the BBC that the boxer was travelling to the area to spend time with relatives and take part in New Year celebrations when the collision happened.
The former two-time heavyweight world champion had been in Nigeria following his recent high-profile win over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on 19 December. The trip combined personal time with family and recovery after the bout, before it was tragically overshadowed by the fatal accident.
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