Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has returned to Britain following a devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest team members.
The 36-year-old boxer reportedly
landed at London Stansted Airport on Friday evening, days after the fatal accident on a busy highway between Lagos and Ibadan. The crash occurred when the Lexus SUV Joshua was travelling in slammed into a stationary truck, with authorities citing excessive speed and a tyre burst as likely causes.
Joshua survived the crash with minor injuries and was discharged from hospital on Wednesday. Tragically, Latif Ayodele, his personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his long-time strength and conditioning coach, were both killed at the scene.
Nigerian police have since charged the driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, with dangerous driving causing death, along with multiple other offences including reckless driving, driving without a valid licence, and causing bodily harm and property damage.
Kayode has been granted bail set at five million naira but remains in custody until the conditions are met. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 20.
Joshua had been in Nigeria on holiday, reconnecting with his family roots, following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19. The trip, meant to be restorative, ended in tragedy that has deeply shaken his inner circle.
In the days after the crash, Joshua was seen with his mother at a funeral home as preparations were made to repatriate the bodies of Ayodele and Ghami to the UK. His return to Britain is understood to be ahead of their funerals.
(with AFP inputs)
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