Anthony Joshua's Family Questions Necessity of Driver's Prosecution Following Tragic Accident
The family of renowned heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has publicly expressed reservations about the decision to prosecute the driver involved in a devastating car accident that occurred on December 29, 2025. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of two of Joshua's close friends while leaving the boxer and his driver injured.
Court Proceedings and Charges Against the Driver
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, a 46-year-old driver who had been in Joshua's employment for three years, appeared before the Sagamu Magistrate Court on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The case was initially brought before Magistrate Olufunilayo Somefun on January 2, 2026, with the driver facing multiple charges under the Federal Highway Act.
The specific charges included:
- Dangerous driving causing death contrary to Section 5(1)
- Reckless and negligent driving contrary to Section 6(1)
- Driving without due care and attention causing bodily harm and property damage contrary to Section 7(1)
- Driving without a valid national driver's licence contrary to Section 10(1)
Family's Compassionate Stance on the Legal Action
Speaking from the family's hometown in Sagamu, Ogun State, Joshua's uncle Adedamola Joshua conveyed the family's perspective on the legal proceedings. While expressing profound gratitude that his nephew survived the accident, he questioned the necessity of pursuing criminal charges against the driver.
"For us, we are very, very lucky that our son, Anthony Joshua, didn't die," Adedamola told reporters. "Taking this man to court is something we don't really see any reason for. He has been driving him and he has been plying the road. So, accidents can happen anytime... The trial is not really worth it because we think accidents can happen anywhere in the world."
The family characterized the incident as an unfortunate accident rather than a deliberate or malicious act, suggesting that prolonged legal action might not serve justice in this particular circumstance.
Legal Developments and Case Adjournment
The Sagamu Magistrate Court has adjourned the case to February 25, 2026, for further hearing. During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Nijiwe Richard requested additional time to duplicate the case file to the office of the Attorney General of Ogun State through the Department of Public Prosecution, citing "the interest of justice" as the reason for this procedural move.
Defence counsel Abiodun Olalekan initially opposed the adjournment request, indicating readiness to proceed with the case immediately. However, Magistrate Somefun granted the prosecution's application, resulting in the February adjournment date. The defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦5,000,000 with two sureties as conditions for his temporary release.
Context of the Tragic Accident
The fatal crash occurred while Anthony Joshua was visiting Nigeria in December 2025. The accident took place in Ogun State, with only Joshua and his driver surviving the collision that claimed the lives of two of the boxer's friends. The incident has drawn significant public attention both in Nigeria and internationally, given Joshua's status as a global sports icon and the tragic loss of life involved.
This development highlights the complex intersection of legal proceedings, family perspectives on justice, and the emotional aftermath of tragic accidents involving public figures. The family's public questioning of the prosecution's approach adds a distinctive dimension to how such cases are perceived and handled within Nigerian legal and social contexts.
