Omotayo Fashola
The uncle of world-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua has revealed that his nephew does not wish to see the driver responsible for the fatal collision that killed two of his friends incarcerated.
Adeniyi Kayode, 46, faced charges in Sagamu Magistrate Court on January 20 in connection with the December crash, which claimed the lives of Joshua’s childhood friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami.
Magistrate Olajumoke Somefu postponed the hearing to February 25 after prosecutors requested additional time to forward the case file to the Ogun State Attorney-General’s Office for legal review.
Kayode, who was operating a Lexus 570 SUV when it collided with a parked truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, is being prosecuted for multiple offenses, including dangerous driving resulting in death, reckless operation of a vehicle, and driving without a valid license.
In an interview with Punch, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, emphasized that the family does not seek retribution against the driver.
“Anthony is a deeply spiritual person who believes in faith above all else. He would never wish imprisonment on the driver,” Adedamola stated.
“There’s a strong bond between them, and he doesn’t want Kayode’s family to suffer because of this unfortunate accident.
“We’re not pursuing punishment. Accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere. We simply hope the authorities will show mercy.”
Kayode, who had served as Joshua’s personal driver for three years, was initially released on a N5 million bail with two sureties of equal value.
Defense attorney Abiodun Olalekan contested the prosecution’s request for a delay, asserting readiness to proceed. However, Magistrate Somefu ruled in favor of the adjournment.
