Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death after reportedly changing seats shortly before a fatal car crash that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.
According to a report by the UK’s Daily Mail, the 36-year-old boxer moved from the front passenger seat to the back of his SUV shortly before the accident.
This killed Sani Ghami and Latif Adeyole just hours after they arrived in Nigeria for a holiday.
Joshua’s driver, Kayode Adeniyi, 47, appeared in court on Friday, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges, including dangerous driving.
Dressed in a black Muslim kaftan, Adeniyi told the court that the crash was not his fault.
He insisted that the vehicle suffered brake failure.
The driver has worked with Joshua for over three years.
He was granted bail and subsequently taken to the Sagamu Correctional Centre for documentation.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Adeniyi’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, described the incident as a tragic accident.
He explained that the journey began in Lagos
Also, Joshua initially seated in the front passenger seat before being asked to move to the back because his size obstructed the driver’s view of the wing mirror.
Following the seat change, one of Joshua’s friends reportedly occupied the front seat
This is the side of the vehicle that took the full impact during the crash.
Outside the courtroom, Adeniyi’s wife was said to be too distressed to speak, while his 19-year-old son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, defended his father.
He maintains that the incident was an unfortunate accident.
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“The family is very upset by what has happened, and we are sorry for the deaths of the two people,” he said.
