Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has shared an emotional message mourning two close associates who died in a car accident along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Gatekeepers News reports that Joshua posted the tribute on his Instagram page on Thursday, weeks after the crash that claimed the lives of his personal trainer, Kevin Latif Ayodele, and his strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami.
Recall that Joshua, who sustained minor injuries in the incident on December 29, was treated and discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve before returning to the United Kingdom.
He later visited the families of the deceased and attended funeral prayers held at the London Central Mosque.
Reflecting on the loss, Joshua said he only realised the value of those around him after their deaths. In his message, He wrote, “Thank you for all the love and care you have shown my brothers. I didn’t even realise how special they are.”
“I’ll just be walking with them and cracking jokes with them, not even knowing God kept me in the presence of great men. 100% it’s tough for me, but I know it’s even tougher for their parents. I have a strong mind, and I believe God knows their hearts. May God have mercy on my brothers.”
He added that the experience has been deeply painful, especially for the families left behind.
Nigerian police confirmed that the driver involved in the crash, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid licence.
The case has been adjourned to January 20, while the defendant was granted bail in the sum of N5 million but remains in custody pending the fulfilment of bail conditions.
Authorities have reiterated calls for safer driving and stricter enforcement on major highways following the incident.
