Nigeria, January 4, 2026
A car accident in Nigeria has claimed the lives of two close friends and team members of former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The accident occurred on December 29, resulting in the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele. Joshua sustained minor injuries and has since returned to the UK. The driver has been charged with multiple offenses, sparking discussions about road safety in Nigeria, where accidents are alarmingly common.
Jacksonville, FL
Tragic Car Accident Claims Lives of Two Close Friends of Anthony Joshua
A Heartbreaking Incident in Nigeria
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom following a fatal car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
The accident occurred on December 29, 2025, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a major route linking Lagos and Ibadan in southwest Nigeria. Joshua, whose family has roots in Nigeria, was traveling with Ghami and Ayodele when their vehicle collided with a stationary truck. While Joshua sustained minor injuries, tragically, both Ghami and Ayodele were pronounced dead at the scene, highlighting the risks that persist on Nigeria’s roads.
The Response to a Critical Situation
In the aftermath of the accident, the driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with multiple offenses. These charges include dangerous and reckless driving, causing death by dangerous driving, and driving without a valid license. With bail set at 5 million naira (approximately $3,480), Kayode is currently awaiting trial, scheduled for January 20, 2026. This incident has sparked discussions regarding road safety and the need for better regulations to ensure safer travel conditions for all.
A Journey Back to the UK
After being discharged from the hospital on December 31, 2025, Joshua remained in Nigeria for a short period to mourn his friends. Reports indicate that he has returned to the United Kingdom ahead of the funerals for Ghami and Ayodele, which are set to take place at a London mosque. This tragic event reiterates not only the personal losses experienced by Joshua but also highlights broader issues surrounding road safety in Nigeria.
Impact on Road Safety in Nigeria
The accident has reignited long-standing concerns about road safety. In 2024 alone, Nigeria reported over 5,400 road fatalities, underscoring systemic issues such as inadequate law enforcement, poor road conditions, and unroadworthy vehicles. Advocates for reform are urging for measures that may include stricter regulations and improved vehicle standards to help reduce the number of fatalities and accidents on the roads.
A Look at Recent Developments
Before the accident, Joshua had been in Nigeria following a successful fight against Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, 2025. With future potential matchups on the horizon, including a highly anticipated bout with Tyson Fury in 2026, it’s a challenging time for Joshua as he navigates both personal grief and professional commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in the car accident involving Anthony Joshua?
On December 29, 2025, Anthony Joshua was involved in a car accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Nigeria. The vehicle he was traveling in collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the deaths of his close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was discharged from the hospital on December 31, 2025.
Who were Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele?
Sina Ghami was Anthony Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach, and Latif “Latz” Ayodele served as his personal trainer. Both were close friends and integral members of Joshua’s team.
What charges have been brought against the driver involved in the accident?
The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, has been charged with dangerous and reckless driving, causing death by dangerous driving, and driving without a valid license. He has been granted bail set at 5 million naira (approximately $3,480) and is awaiting trial, which is scheduled for January 20, 2026.
What is Anthony Joshua’s current status?
Anthony Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom following the accident. He was discharged from the hospital on December 31, 2025, after being deemed clinically fit to recuperate at home. Reports indicate that he has since returned to the UK ahead of the funerals of Ghami and Ayodele, which are scheduled to take place at a London mosque.
What are the funeral arrangements for Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele?
The funerals for Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele are scheduled to take place at a London mosque. Anthony Joshua has returned to the UK ahead of the funerals.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accident Date | December 29, 2025 |
| Location | Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria |
| Victims | Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele |
| Injured | Anthony Joshua |
| Driver Charged | Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode |
| Joshua’s Discharge | December 31, 2025 |
| Joshua’s Return to UK | January 3, 2026 |
| Funeral Arrangements | London mosque |
Now Happening on X
- @Oremus4Pacem (December 30, 2025, 10:49 AM) JSO officer fatally shoots man in head after arrest turns physical in Oceanway neighborhood. View on X
- @MarioNawfal (November 5, 2024, 2:06 PM) Bomb squad clears suspicious item at Jacksonville polling site, briefly closing Duval County Precinct 706. View on X
- @MrAndyNgo (November 5, 2024, 4:22 PM) Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office deploys bomb squad for suspicious package near voting site; voters relocated temporarily. View on X
- @thestustustudio (May 28, 2025, 10:43 PM) Chaos at Jacksonville City Council meeting leads to three arrests amid dispute over library board nominee. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (January 4, 2026, 4:11 AM) Vehicle crash with injuries causes roadblock on I-295 SB at MM53 in Jacksonville. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (January 1, 2026, 8:53 AM) Fatal crash reported at Southside Blvd and Anders Blvd in Jacksonville, blocking northbound lanes. View on X
- @corrow76651 (December 28, 2025, 5:09 PM) Four injured in Christmas Eve shooting at Jacksonville apartment complex. View on X
- @FHP_Notifier (January 2, 2026, 10:50 PM) Silver Alert issued for endangered adult near N Jefferson St and W 1st Street in Jacksonville. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
