World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death after a last-minute seat swap just moments before a crash that killed two of his friends.
Joshua was travelling in an SUV from Lagos to Sagamu when the accident happened on one of Nigeria’s most dangerous roads. He had initially been sitting in the front passenger seat but moved to the back after his driver asked him to switch seats. Latif Ayodele, one of the passengers who later died, then moved to the front.
The crash also killed Sina Ghami, who had travelled with Joshua for a holiday. Joshua was hospitalised but survived with minor injuries.
The details came out during the court hearing of Joshua’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 47, at Sagamu High Court. Kayode, who did not have a valid driver’s licence, denied all charges, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless driving, and driving without care and attention. He was granted bail of ₦5 million, and the trial is set for January 20.
Kayode’s lawyer said the brakes failed while he tried to avoid a stationary truck on the road. The seat swap, he added, helped Joshua avoid serious harm.
“My client has driven Anthony for more than three years. He was following the speed limit and tried to avoid the truck, but the brakes failed,” the lawyer told the court.
Outside the court, the driver’s family said the crash was an accident. His son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, said: “My dad is not a reckless driver. He was trying to stop the car, but the brakes failed. They were only a few minutes from their destination when the crash happened.”
The incident has drawn widespread attention, with many noting that Joshua’s quick move inside the car likely saved his life.
