Former World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua narrowly escaped death after a last-minute change of seats moments before a devastating car crash that claimed the lives of two of his companions, according to revelations published by the UK newspaper Daily Mail.

The 36-year-old boxer had initially been seated in the front passenger seat of his SUV but switched to the back shortly before the collision, a twist of fate that may have saved his life.

The crash, which occurred on Nigeria’s notoriously dangerous Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, killed Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele just hours after they arrived in the country for a holiday.

The Daily Mail reports that the startling details emerged during proceedings at the Sagamu High Court, where Joshua’s long-time driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was arraigned on multiple charges including dangerous driving causing death. Kayode pleaded not guilty, insisting the crash was the result of brake failure.

Court revelations also disclosed that the driver did not possess a valid driving licence at the time of the accident.

Kayode, who has worked for Joshua for more than three years, was granted bail in the sum of five million naira, with the court noting that Nigerian law allows bail to be secured through valuables rather than cash. His trial has been adjourned until January 20.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, the driver’s lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, said the journey had begun in Lagos with Joshua initially sitting in the front seat. According to him, the driver requested a seat change because Joshua’s size was obstructing his view of the wing mirror.

“He asked Anthony to move to the back seat so he could see properly,” the lawyer said. “Latif was originally at the back and then changed seats with Anthony.”

Outside the courtroom, emotions ran high. While Kayode’s wife was reportedly too distressed to speak, his 19-year-old son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, maintained his father’s innocence in comments to the Daily Mail.

“My dad is not a fast driver. He was following the speed limit when the brakes failed,” he said. “He tried to swerve to avoid a truck parked by the side of the road but ended up hitting it.”

He added that the group had been picked up from the airport and were only minutes away from arriving in Sagamu to visit Joshua’s family when tragedy struck.

Joshua, who was hospitalised following the crash, is understood to be in stable condition. The incident has sent shockwaves through both sporting and public circles, with the Daily Mail describing the seat swap as a chilling reminder of how narrowly the boxer escaped the same fate as his late companions.

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The British High Commission has confirmed that it is actively engaged following the fatal road traffic accident involving world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

In a statement on Monday, the High Commission disclosed that it was formally notified of the incident, which resulted in the deaths of two British-linked passengers — Ayodele Kelvin Olu (36), a Nigerian-British national, and Gami Sina (36), a British citizen.

The Mission said it has been in direct and continuous contact with the hospital where the injured are receiving treatment, as well as with Nigerian authorities coordinating the response to the accident.

As part of its engagement, the Deputy High Commissioner paid a fact-finding visit to the medical facility, where he met with Anthony Joshua and held discussions with officials of the Ogun and Lagos State Governments. The visit, according to the High Commission, was aimed at assessing the situation firsthand and ensuring appropriate diplomatic and consular support.

The British High Commission also confirmed that the families of the deceased have been formally contacted and are receiving consular assistance during this difficult period. It added that arrangements are underway to repatriate the bodies of the victims to the United Kingdom, in accordance with the wishes of their families.

The Mission expressed its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and thanked the Nigerian authorities for their swift response and cooperation. It noted that it would continue to monitor developments closely and remain engaged with relevant stakeholders as investigations into the circumstances of the accident continue.

The British High Commission reaffirmed its commitment to providing ongoing support to all British nationals affected by the incident and said it would issue further updates as appropriate.

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The Governments of Ogun and Lagos States have released a detailed update on the road traffic accident involving world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and three other passengers along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The accident, which occurred earlier on Monday, tragically claimed the lives of two passengers. The deceased have been identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu (36), a Nigerian-British national, and Gami Sina (36), a British citizen.

The British High Commission has formally been notified of the incident and is actively monitoring developments. According to the joint update, officials of the Mission are in direct communication with the hospital and relevant Nigerian authorities. The Deputy High Commissioner also paid a fact-finding visit to the medical facility, where he met with Anthony Joshua and held engagements with government officials.

Families of the deceased have been contacted through the British High Commission, while arrangements are already at an advanced stage to repatriate the bodies to the United Kingdom in line with the wishes of their respective families.

The statement noted that the Governors of Ogun and Lagos States personally took charge of the situation, remaining at the hospital for over seven hours to oversee medical care and coordination. Several key stakeholders were also present to offer professional support, including the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been fully briefed on the incident. The President personally spoke with Anthony Joshua and members of his family by phone, expressing his condolences and sympathies over the tragic loss of lives.

The Ogun and Lagos State Governments reassured the public that Anthony Joshua is receiving the best possible medical care and that his condition continues to be closely monitored by a full medical team.

Authorities said further updates would be provided as necessary on the well-being of the boxing champion and others affected by the accident, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue.

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