Why We Don’t Want Joshua’s Driver To Be Jailed – Family
The family of former world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has explained why they do not want the driver involved in the accident that killed two of his friends to be jailed, saying the incident was an unfortunate accident and that punishing the driver would only worsen the tragedy.
Anthony Joshua was involved in a car crash on December 29 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that claimed the lives of his friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, while he sustained minor injuries.
The Lexus 570 SUV involved in the accident was driven by Adeniyi Kayode, who was later arrested and charged to court over the incident.
Kayode appeared before a magistrate’s court in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Tuesday and was granted bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.
He is facing four counts of dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a valid national driver’s licence.
The prosecution lawyer, Richard Nijiwe, said the alleged offences contravened sections 5(1), 6(1), 7(1) and 10(1) of the Federal Highway Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The case was adjourned to February 25 after the prosecution requested time to transmit the case file to the Ogun State Attorney-General’s Office for legal advice.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, said the boxer and his family were not interested in seeing the driver jailed.
He said, “Our son is very deep in religion and takes everything by faith. He will not want anything to happen to the driver. He has his own family and children who will suffer. An accident can happen anywhere, so they should please spare this man and let us move forward.”
Joshua has since returned to the United Kingdom.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
