Former unified heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, narrowly escaped death in a road accident in Ogun State after swapping seats.
The revelation was made on Friday at the Ogun State MultiDoor Court in Sagamu by the boxer’s driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, who is facing charges bordering on manslaughter and reckless driving.
Kayode, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, told the court that Joshua was initially seated in the front passenger seat but was later advised to move to the back seat due to his height and leg space.
According to the 47-year-old driver, the journey began smoothly from the airport and continued without incident until the vehicle entered the expressway, where he suddenly experienced brake failure.
“Anthony Joshua was seated in front at first, but because of his height and long legs, I asked him to move to the back seat behind me,” Kayode said while responding to questions from government prosecutors. “Everything was fine until I suddenly couldn’t feel the brakes anymore.”
Kayode explained that he was driving at about 70 kilometres per hour when he attempted to swerve right to avoid danger but veered towards a parked truck, resulting in the crash.
The defendant, dressed in a black Muslim kaftan, maintained that the accident was unintentional and blamed mechanical failure for the incident.
Speaking to The Guardian after the court session, Kayode’s counsel, Barrister Olalekan Abiodun, described the incident as an unfortunate accident, insisting that his client was not reckless.
“My client has pleaded not guilty. What happened was an accident,” Abiodun said. “He has maintained that the brakes failed. Anthony Joshua was initially seated in front, but because of his size, the driver couldn’t see properly through the wing mirror and asked him to move to the back seat.”
Abiodun added that the seat change was solely for safety and visibility reasons.
The court granted Kayode bail in the sum of ₦5 million with four sureties. He is facing four charges, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid licence.
The case has been adjourned until January 20 for trial.
