By Peter Dansu Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death in a chilling twist of fate after swapping seats in his SUV just moments before a horr...
By Peter Dansu
Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death in a chilling twist of fate after swapping seats in his SUV just moments before a horrific car crash that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
According to Daily Mail UK report, the world heavyweight boxing champion cheated death when he moved from the front passenger seat to the back of the vehicle shortly before it smashed into a parked truck on one of Nigeria’s deadliest highways. The crash killed Sina Ghami, Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, and Latif Ayodele, his personal trainer, only hours after they arrived in the country for a holiday.
Fresh revelations emerged during the court hearing of Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, at the Sagamu High Court. It was disclosed that the boxer had initially been seated in front before being asked to change seats. Joshua complied and moved to the back seat, a decision that likely saved his life when the impact occurred.
The court also heard that the driver did not possess a valid driver’s licence at the time of the crash. Kayode, who has worked with Joshua for over three years, pleaded not guilty to all charges, including dangerous driving. Dressed in a black Muslim kaftan, he maintained that the accident was caused by brake failure.
According to his lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, the journey began in Lagos with Joshua seated in front. The driver allegedly requested the seat swap because Joshua’s size was obstructing his view of the wing mirror. Latif Ayodele was initially in the front seat before exchanging positions with Joshua, placing the boxer behind the driver shortly before the fatal collision.
Kayode was granted bail in the sum of five million naira, with the court allowing non cash assets as surety under Nigerian law. He faces four charges, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid licence. The case has been adjourned until January 20 for trial.
Outside the courtroom, emotions ran high. The driver’s wife was too distressed to speak, while his 19 year old son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, insisted his father was innocent. He described the incident as a tragic accident, expressing sorrow over the deaths of Ghami and Ayodele.
He said his father was not speeding and had been obeying traffic rules when the brakes suddenly failed. According to him, the driver tried desperately to avoid a truck parked illegally by the roadside but could not prevent the collision. The group was reportedly just minutes away from arriving in Sagamu, where Joshua was heading to visit family.
Joshua himself sustained injuries and was hospitalised following the crash, which has sent shockwaves through the boxing world and beyond. Photos taken shortly before the journey show the boxer smiling on arrival in Nigeria, unaware that a simple change of seats would mean the difference between life and death.
What should have been a joyful holiday reunion ended in devastating loss, leaving two families mourning and a global sports icon counting his blessings after a narrow escape from tragedy.
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