How a Last-Minute Decision Saved Anthony Joshua in Deadly Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash

How a Last-Minute Decision Saved Anthony Joshua in Deadly Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash

British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death in a fatal car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, it has emerged, after he changed from the front seat to the back seat of his Lexus SUV moments before the accident.

The crash, which occurred on Monday, claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s companions — Ayodele Kelvin Olu (36), a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina (36), a British citizen — while leaving several others injured, including the former world heavyweight champion.

According to court proceedings and accounts given to the Daily Mail, Joshua initially sat in the front passenger seat before swapping places at the request of his driver, Kayode Adeniyi (46). The driver reportedly asked Joshua to move because his large frame obstructed his view of the wing mirror, a decision believed to have saved the boxer’s life.

Adeniyi, who has worked with Joshua for nearly three years, has been arraigned on four charges, including dangerous driving resulting in death, reckless and negligent driving, and driving without a valid licence, under the Federal Highway Act. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was remanded in custody pending bail.

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Speaking through his lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, the driver maintained that the incident was a tragic accident, blaming brake failure.

“My client has pleaded not guilty. He insists the brakes failed. Anthony initially sat in front but was asked to move to the back seat because his size affected visibility,” the lawyer said.

Outside the courtroom, Adeniyi’s 19-year-old son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, also defended his father, insisting he was not speeding and was obeying traffic rules at the time of the crash.

“My dad is a careful driver. He tried to avoid a truck parked by the roadside when the brakes failed, but it was too late,” he said, adding that the journey was almost complete as they were heading to Joshua’s family home in Sagamu, Ogun State.

Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that Adeniyi remains in custody. Bail was set at ₦5 million with two sureties, while the case was adjourned to January 20, 2026, for trial.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State and Ogun State governments confirmed on Wednesday that Anthony Joshua has been discharged from hospital and is recovering after the horrific accident.

How a Last-Minute Decision Saved Anthony Joshua in Deadly Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash