Anthony Joshua returns to the UK after fatal car crash
Anthony Joshua touched down at Stansted Airport on Friday evening, returning to British soil following the devastating car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest companions, reports BritPanorama.
The former world heavyweight champion travelled home aboard a private jet and has since retreated to his residence to continue his recovery. Joshua sustained only minor injuries in the collision, which occurred on Monday along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest motorways.
The incident involved Joshua’s Lexus SUV striking a stationary truck parked at the roadside. Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, who served as the boxer’s strength coach and personal trainer, were pronounced dead at the scene. Matchroom Boxing and 258 MGT released a joint statement mourning the loss: “With profound sadness, it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, have tragically passed away.”
A funeral service for his late friends is scheduled to take place at a London mosque, with family and loved ones invited to attend a janazah prayer service. Joshua remains uncertain whether he will be present at the ceremony. A reported source indicated: “Anthony wants to go to the funeral, but he hasn’t decided yet; he’s mindful that his presence could cause a circus and overshadow the funeral for the family of his two friends.”
According to the driver’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, a twist of fate may have spared Joshua’s life. He had initially taken the front passenger seat when the group departed from Lagos. However, the driver requested that Joshua relocate to the rear of the vehicle, as his size impeded the driver’s view of the wing mirror. Ayodele subsequently moved into the front seat, which turned out to be a fatal position when the collision occurred.
Nigerian authorities have brought multiple charges against the vehicle’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, aged 46. He has been accused of causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, and operating a vehicle without a valid licence. Kayode entered a not guilty plea, with his legal representative asserting that the incident was accidental due to brake failure. The court has granted bail set at 5,000,000 Naira, approximately £2,578, but he remains in custody until the conditions are satisfied. Proceedings have been postponed until 20 January.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, particularly in the high-pressure world of professional sport, where even the strongest can face unimaginable challenges amid loss and heartache.
