Nigerian Court Adjourns Joshua Crash Driver Case as Evidence Preparations Continue
The Joshua crash driver case took another turn this week as a Nigerian court formally adjourned proceedings to allow prosecutors additional time to prepare their evidence file. The high-profile legal matter has drawn global attention due to the tragic circumstances of the crash that injured British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua and killed two members of his training team.
The case made headlines when the driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, appeared before the Ogun Magistrate Court on February 25, 2026, marking his second court appearance since the deadly December 29 collision on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Second Adjournment Signals Complexity of Legal Process
Presiding Magistrate Olufumilayo Somefun granted the prosecution’s request for a postponement, setting the next hearing for March 13, 2026, though some reports indicate March 17 as a possible date.
The delay comes after Nigeria’s Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) formally assumed control of the case, underscoring the legal complexity and high public interest in the matter. Prosecutors told the court that additional time was needed to collate witness statements, expert reports, and toxicology or mechanical analyses as part of their case preparation.
Legal experts in Abuja and Lagos commented that such adjournments, while frustrating to observers, are standard when serious charges and multiple fatalities are involved. One Nigerian criminal attorney, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that “building a robust prosecution in vehicular fatality cases requires meticulous attention to forensic evidence, especially when public figures are involved.” While not directly commenting on this case, the attorney noted that “expert testimony and crash reconstruction reports can make or break the prosecution’s case.”
Charges Filed Against the Driver
Kayode, 46, who was driving the Lexus SUV carrying Joshua, faces multiple counts, including:
- Dangerous driving causing death
- Reckless and negligent driving
- Driving without due care resulting in bodily harm and property damage
- Operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s licence
Despite these serious allegations, Kayode did not enter a plea during the latest hearing. In earlier court sessions, he was granted bail set at five million naira (approximately $3,500 USD), though he remains under conditional release as proceedings continue.
Officials said he continues to recover from minor injuries sustained during the crash. Joshua also sustained injuries but was discharged from a Nigerian hospital two days after the incident and later returned to the United Kingdom to continue rehabilitation.
Background: Joshua Crash Driver Case
The underlying Joshua crash driver case stems from the tragic accident on December 29, 2025, during a visit by Joshua to Nigeria. Their vehicle collided with a stationary truck while traveling at high speed on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway near Sagamu in Ogun State a stretch of road known for heavy freight traffic and frequent accidents.
Two of Joshua’s close associates, Latif Ayodele (personal trainer) and Sina Ghami (strength coach), were killed in the crash. Joshua survived with minor injuries, prompting a wave of outpouring support from fans, fellow athletes, and international observers.
The incident triggered renewed discussions about road safety in Nigeria, particularly on major expressways where heavy vehicles and high-speed travel contribute to a disproportionate number of accidents each year.
Public Reaction and Sports World Responses
Public reaction to the legal developments has been mixed. Nigerian social media users have expressed frustration over perceived delays in the judicial process, while international boxing fans have shown solidarity with Joshua’s grieving and recovery. Some commentators have called for stricter enforcement of road safety laws, citing this case as a stark reminder of dangers on Nigerian highways.
Across the global boxing community, reactions have ranged from tributes to the deceased trainers to cautious optimism about Joshua’s recovery and future career. British media outlets highlighted how the crash left a lasting emotional impact on the former world heavyweight champion, who publicly described the loss of Ayodele and Ghami as “losing brothers.”
The case has also sparked debate about vehicle safety standards, driver licensing requirements, and the responsibilities of teams when transporting high-profile athletes in regions with challenging road conditions.
What’s Next in the Joshua Crash Driver Case
As the Joshua crash driver case heads toward its next court appearance in March, legal analysts will be watching closely to see how the prosecution frames its evidence against Kayode. The upcoming hearing is likely to include more detailed testimony and potentially expert reconstructions of the crash sequence.
For now, the adjournment reflects both the gravity of the charges and the procedural care required when life-and-death outcomes intersect with public figures and complex legal frameworks.
Stay tuned for updates as the March hearing approaches.
