World
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, Driver in Anthony Joshua Crash Case Formally Charged
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.
NAKHCHIVAN, Azerbaijan — Authorities in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic reported that drones launched from the territory of Iran struck locations within the region on Thursday afternoon, damaging infrastructure and injuring at least two civilians, according to an official government statement.
The incident occurred on March 5, when two unmanned aerial vehicles entered Azerbaijani airspace and crashed at separate locations within the autonomous region.
Officials said one of the drones struck the terminal building at Nakhchivan International Airport, causing structural damage to the facility.
A second drone crashed near a school building in the village of Shakarabad.
Authorities confirmed that two civilians were injured in the attacks. The extent of their injuries has not been publicly detailed, but both individuals were reported to have received medical treatment.
In an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani government strongly condemned what it described as drone strikes originating from Iranian territory.
“We strongly condemn these drone attacks from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in damage to the airport building and the injury of two civilians,” the statement read.
Azerbaijan said the attack on its territory violates international law and warned that such actions risk escalating tensions in an already sensitive regional environment.
“This attack on the territory of Azerbaijan is contrary to the norms and principles of international law and serves to increase tensions in the region,” the ministry said.
Following the incident, Azerbaijan summoned Mujtaba Darmichilu, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Azerbaijan, to the foreign ministry in Baku. Azerbaijani officials said a formal diplomatic protest would be delivered to the Iranian government demanding clarification regarding the incident.
The Azerbaijani government has also called on Iran to take urgent steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Officials added that Azerbaijan reserves the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures if necessary.
Authorities have not yet released additional technical details about the drones involved or whether they were armed or conducting surveillance. Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.