Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the UK following a devastating car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. The 36-year-old boxer was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck on a major Lagos expressway on Monday.
Friends Lost in the Tragedy
Joshua’s teammates and close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, were killed in the crash. Their funerals are scheduled to take place at a London mosque on Sunday. Joshua himself was hospitalized after the accident but was discharged on Wednesday, according to family sources.
Legal Proceedings Underway
The SUV’s driver, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving at Sagamu Magistrates’ Court. He was granted bail of 5 million naira (£2,578) and will remain remanded until his bail conditions are met. The next court hearing has been scheduled for 20 January.
Personal Ties and Family Visit
Joshua, born in Watford, England, has family roots in Sagamu, a town in Ogun State near the crash site. He had been visiting relatives in Nigeria for New Year celebrations at the time of the accident, shortly after his December 19 victory over American YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The tragedy has left the boxing community and Joshua’s family mourning the loss of his close friends.
