Anthony Joshua’s driver arraigned in Nigeria crash that killed two

Driver appears in Ogun state court after December crash

The driver in a deadly car crash that injured British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and killed two friends in Nigeria was arraigned on Tuesday on four counts, including dangerous driving causing death, Associated Press reported. The defendant, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared in a local court in southwestern Ogun state following the accident in December near Lagos, the AP said.

The AP reported that Kayode was driving Joshua and his friends in a Lexus SUV when it hit a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which links Ogun state to Lagos. Officials later said they found Kayode driving at high speed, according to the report. The crash caused minor injuries to Joshua and killed his two close associates, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.

Charges include dangerous driving and lack of valid license

AP said Kayode had been first charged in early January. The reported counts included dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid national driver’s license.

The report said Kayode was granted bail of 5 million naira (about $3,480) and arrived at the Sagamu Magistrates Court wearing a black hoodie and black trousers, accompanied by lawyers.

Trial adjourned after prosecutors requested delay

Although the case was listed for a hearing on Tuesday, AP said the trial was adjourned until Feb. 25 after prosecutors requested the delay. Defense lawyers argued against the adjournment. Defense counsel Abiodun Olalekan told reporters: “Coupled with the fact that the matter is slated for definite hearing for today, and their witnesses are in court, nothing stops the court from going on.”

Joshua returned to the United Kingdom after crash

AP said Joshua returned to the United Kingdom after the accident, which it reported raised questions about road safety in Nigeria.

The report also said Joshua has family roots in Nigeria, briefly attended boarding school there as a child, and holds Nigerian nationality.