How Last-Minute Seat Change Spared Anthony Joshua in Fatal Nigerian Road Crash
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death after changing seats shortly before a fatal car crash that killed two of his companions, according to a report by the UK newspaper Daily Mail.
The 36-year-old boxer was originally sitting in the front passenger seat of his SUV but moved to the back moments before the crash. The late change is believed to have played a key role in saving his life.
The accident happened on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest and most dangerous roads. Two passengers, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, lost their lives in the crash. They had arrived in Nigeria just hours earlier for a holiday.
Details of the incident were revealed at the Sagamu High Court, where Joshua’s long-time driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was charged with dangerous driving causing death. Kayode pleaded not guilty, claiming the crash was caused by brake failure.
The court also heard that the driver did not have a valid driving licence at the time of the accident.
Kayode, who has worked for Joshua for over three years, was granted bail of five million naira. The court noted that bail could be secured with valuables rather than cash. The case was adjourned until January 20.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Kayode’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, said the journey started in Lagos with Joshua sitting in the front seat. He explained that the driver asked Joshua to move to the back because his size was blocking the wing mirror.
“He asked Anthony to move so he could see clearly,” the lawyer said. “Latif was at the back and later changed seats with Anthony.”
Outside the court, Kayode’s family reacted emotionally. While his wife was too upset to speak, his 19-year-old son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, defended his father.
“My dad is not a fast driver,” he said. “He was within the speed limit when the brakes failed. He tried to avoid a truck parked by the roadside but ended up hitting it.”
He added that they had just picked the group up from the airport and were only minutes away from Sagamu to visit Joshua’s family when the crash occurred.
Joshua was taken to hospital after the accident and is reported to be in stable condition. The incident has shocked many, with the seat change described as a reminder of how close the boxer came to losing his life.
