World
One Dead, Five Injured in Lawrence Heights Shooting Linked to Possible Gang Violence
TORONTO, ON — A brazen act of violence in the Lawrence Heights neighbourhood has left one man dead and five others injured, including several with gunshot wounds described as non-life-threatening.
The incident, which occurred on the evening of Tuesday, June 3, has prompted concerns about escalating gang violence in the area.
Toronto police and paramedics responded to multiple 911 calls just after 8:30 p.m. reporting gunfire near Flemington Road and Zachary Court, close to Ranee Avenue and Allen Road.
Upon arrival, first responders found several victims at the scene and began administering emergency medical care.
Paramedics initially reported treating seven individuals with varying injuries ranging from critical to serious.
Police have since confirmed that one man was pronounced deceased on scene, and five others were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The identity of the deceased has not been formally released, but sources indicate the victim was a paraplegic man in a wheelchair, reportedly a close associate of Toronto rapper Top5.
This shooting comes just days after Top5, a controversial figure in the Toronto hip-hop scene, walked free following a first-degree murder charge being stayed.
The victim’s connection to the rapper has intensified speculation that the attack may be gang-related or retaliatory in nature.
Police have not released any information about potential suspects, and no arrests have been made at this time.
A mobile command post has been established near Ranee Avenue and Flemington Road, where officers are conducting interviews, collecting surveillance footage, and canvassing the neighbourhood.
Residents in the area are being urged to remain vigilant and avoid the vicinity as the investigation continues.
Law enforcement officials are appealing to the public for any information that could assist with identifying those responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto Police Service directly or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
This incident underscores a troubling spike in gun violence in North York and has reignited conversations around public safety, community investment, and gang intervention programs.
SAGAMU, Ogun State, Nigeria — The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the fatal motor vehicle collision that injured British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two passengers, has been formally charged in court.
Police officials stated that Kayode, 46, was arraigned on Thursday, January 2, 2026, before the Sagamu Magistrate Court, where he faces charges of reckless and dangerous driving.
The case has been adjourned until January 20, 2026, for further proceedings.
According to police, the crash occurred earlier in the week along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a major highway in southwestern Nigeria.
The Lexus SUV was transporting Anthony Joshua and two of his close associates, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, when it collided with a stationary truck parked along the roadway.
Both Ayodele and Ghami sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that the defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million (approximately $3,480 USD), with two sureties, and was remanded in custody pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated in a public update that the arraignment followed a comprehensive preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
Authorities emphasized that investigations remain ongoing.
Anthony Joshua, a former world heavyweight boxing champion, survived the crash but reportedly suffered significant emotional trauma as a result of the incident.
Ayodele and Ghami were described as long-time friends, training partners, and key members of Joshua’s professional support team, regularly accompanying him before, during, and after major fights.
Ayodele was notably present ringside during Joshua’s recent bout, where he was seen holding the Nigerian flag.
The remains of the two deceased men were transported to a mortuary in Sagamu.
Both were reported to be Muslims, and arrangements for burial in accordance with Islamic rites are pending. Officials have not yet confirmed when their bodies will be repatriated to the United Kingdom.
Authorities have also renewed calls for improved road safety enforcement, particularly concerning the illegal and prolonged parking of heavy-duty trucks along highways, which has been cited as a recurring hazard on Nigerian roads.
The Ogun State Police Command urged motorists to exercise caution, adhere strictly to speed limits, and ensure proper judgment when overtaking or maneuvering on highways.
Further updates are expected as the case proceeds through the court system.