Anthony Joshua ‘cheated dying’ by ‘swapping seats’ earlier than deadly crash with driver charged
Anthony Joshua was involved in a horrific car crash in Nigeria on Monday that tragically took the life of two of his close friends, but the boxer made a lucky escape after swapping seats
Anthony Joshua survived the horrific car crash that tragically took the lives of two of his close friends in Nigeria on Monday after a twist of fate saved his life.
The two-time unified heavyweight world champion, 36, was travelling in the back of a black SUV which crashed into a stationary truck on a major road near Lagos.
Joshua sustained minor injuries in the crash and was taken to hospital but two of his entourage, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, were killed.
The British boxer was sat behind the driver when the SUV impacted with the truck on the passenger side, killing both occupants of the vehicle that were sitting on the other side.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Joshua cheated death after swapping seats from the front to the back of the car with Latif midway through the journey.
The driver of the vehicle, Kayode Adeniyi, 46, has been charged by police in Nigeria after the horror crash. Police sources have told the BBC the charges included causing death by dangerous driving and were heard at the Sagamu Magistrate Court on Friday.
Adeniyi, who has worked for Joshua as a chauffeur for more than three years, appeared in court wearing a black Muslim kaftan and pleaded not guilty. He claims he is innocent and the car’s brakes failed.
The driver’s lawyer Olalekan Abiodun told the Daily Mail: “My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident, I haven’t had a full chance to speak with him yet but I know he is saying the brakes did not work.
“I also understand that the journey started in Lagos and that initially Anthony had got into the front seat but the driver asked him to swap seats.”
This is said to have happened because Joshua’s big frame meant the driver couldn’t see the wing mirror properly so asked him to switch and sit behind the driver.
“From what I understand Latif was in front and then changed seats with Anthony,” he added.
The BBC is also reporting that prosecutors brought four charges against Adeniyi. They are causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
Adeniyi has been granted bail and was rushed away by police to Sagamu Correctional Centre for paperwork to be completed.
