The fatal accident trial of driver Adeniyi Kayode, linked to Anthony Joshua’s friends’ deaths, has been adjourned to February 25, 2026, for further legal procedures.
The high-profile fatal accident trial of 46-year-old Adeniyi Kayode, the driver involved in the tragic crash that killed Nigerian-born boxing star Anthony Joshua’s close friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, has been adjourned to February 25, 2026.
The decision was announced on Tuesday at the Sagamu Magistrate Court, Ogun State, after a partial attendance of prosecution witnesses delayed proceedings.
According to prosecuting counsel Richard Nigiwe, although four witnesses had been summoned for the trial, only three appeared in court.
He explained that the adjournment was necessary to allow the prosecution team to duplicate the case file and present it to the Attorney General of the State through the Department of Public Prosecution for advice.
The magistrate agreed that these procedural steps were essential for justice to prevail, thus rescheduling the trial.
Defence counsel, Olalekan Abiodun, expressed objection to the adjournment.
He argued that the prosecution had ample time prior to the scheduled hearing to complete the necessary legal formalities.
Nevertheless, the court ruled that, in the interest of justice, the trial should proceed after the February 25 date, and directed the prosecuting team to submit the duplicated case file to the Attorney General’s office.
After the court session, Abiodun expressed his agreement with the magistrate’s ruling, while Nigiwe declined to comment further.
The tragic accident occurred on December 29, 2025, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, when Kayode’s Lexus SUV collided with a stationary truck.
The collision claimed the lives of Ayodele and Ghami instantly. Anthony Joshua, who was traveling in the vehicle, as well as Kayode himself, sustained minor injuries.
The incident sent shockwaves across the Nigerian and international boxing communities, with fans expressing condolences on social media platforms.
Kayode faces four charges, including dangerous driving, negligent driving, and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s licence.
He was initially remanded in custody on January 2, 2026, and was later granted bail of N5 million with two sureties.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that he remains under remand until all bail conditions are fulfilled.
The case had been previously adjourned to January 20, 2026, but the latest postponement ensures that the prosecution completes all required legal steps before the next hearing.
In the aftermath of the accident, Anthony Joshua and his family were deeply involved in funeral preparations for their late friends.
A funeral prayer service for Ayodele and Ghami was held on January 4, 2026, at the London Central Mosque.
Prior to the repatriation of the remains to Nigeria, Joshua and his mother visited a Lagos funeral home to pay their respects.
The gesture highlighted the closeness of the late friends to the boxing champion and added a personal dimension to the unfolding legal case.
Observers have noted that the fatal accident trial has attracted considerable public attention due to the high profile of the victims and the involvement of a globally recognized sports figure.
Legal analysts have described the case as a significant test of the Nigerian judicial system’s handling of high-stakes traffic-related fatalities.
The procedural requirement to present the case file to the Attorney General, as instructed by the court, is seen as a critical step in ensuring transparency and fairness in the trial process.
Public interest in the case remains high, with social media users following updates closely.
The combination of celebrity involvement and the tragic loss of life has made the fatal accident trial a topic of national conversation.
Traffic safety advocates have also pointed out that such incidents highlight the ongoing need for stricter enforcement of driving regulations and the importance of road safety awareness across Nigeria.
As the next hearing on February 25, 2026, approaches, legal experts anticipate that both the prosecution and defence will be fully prepared.
The prosecution is expected to present its complete set of witnesses, while the defence may challenge aspects of the evidence presented.
The case promises to remain under intense scrutiny until a final verdict is reached.
The ongoing legal proceedings underscore the complexities surrounding road traffic incidents involving high-profile individuals.
The fatal accident trial of Adeniyi Kayode not only serves as a test for the Nigerian judiciary but also acts as a reminder of the potential consequences of negligent driving.
Families, friends, and supporters of the late Ayodele and Ghami continue to watch developments closely, hoping for justice to be served.
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