Anthony Joshua's Uncle States Boxer Would Not Want Driver Jailed

Adedamola Joshua, the uncle of British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua, remarked that his nephew would not desire his driver, who was implicated in a tragic accident leading to the deaths of two of Joshua's friends, to be imprisoned.

The driver, identified as Adeniyi Kayode, aged 46, appeared before a magistrate's court in Sagamu, Ogun State, on January 20. This followed the fatal incident in December that claimed the lives of Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, close companions of Joshua.

Magistrate Olajumoke Somefu decided to postpone the hearing until February 25, after the prosecution requested additional time to allow for the case file to be sent to the Ogun State Attorney-General's Office for legal counsel through the Department of Public Prosecutions.

Kayode, who was operating a Lexus 570 SUV during the crash with a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, faces multiple charges including dangerous driving that resulted in death, reckless and negligent driving, and not possessing a valid national driver's license.

In an interview with Punch, Joshua's uncle, Adedamola, stated that the family does not wish for Kayode to be incarcerated.

"Our son (Joshua) is deeply rooted in his faith, and he would not want any harm to come to the driver," Adedamola articulated to the news outlet.

He added, "There is a bond between them, and Joshua would not want him to face jail time because he has his own family who would struggle as a consequence.

"The family also does not seek his imprisonment, as accidents can occur anywhere. Therefore, it would be best to show compassion towards this man and allow us to progress."

Kayode, who has served as Joshua's driver for three years, was previously granted bail amounting to N5 million, secured by two sureties of the same value.

The defense attorney, Abiodun Olalekan, opposed the prosecution's request for an adjournment, claiming the defense was prepared to proceed with the trial. Nevertheless, the magistrate approved the prosecution's motion.