Summary:
Legal proceedings against Adeniyi Kayode, the driver involved in the tragic SUV accident claiming the lives of Anthony Joshua’s associates, have been paused. The Sagamu Magistrate Court has shifted the hearing to late February to allow for state legal review as the prosecution seeks further counsel.
The legal battle seeking justice for the victims of a tragic road crash involving the associates of heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has encountered a procedural delay. On Wednesday, the Sagamu Magistrate Court announced the adjournment of the trial of 46-year-old Adeniyi Kayode, the man behind the wheel of the Lexus SUV during the fatal incident.
Procedural Stall
The hearing, which was poised to proceed before Magistrate Olufunilayo Somefun, hit a roadblock when the prosecution revealed logistical gaps in their case presentation. The prosecuting counsel, Richard Nigiwe, informed the court that out of the four key witnesses scheduled to testify, only three were present.
Consequently, the prosecution moved a motion for an adjournment, seeking ample time to duplicate the case file and forward it to the office of the Ogun State Attorney General. This step is intended to secure legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to ensure the trial serves the best interest of justice.
Defense Pushback
The request for a delay did not sit well with the defense team. Abiodun Olalekan, counsel to the defendant, initially opposed the application, expressing his client’s readiness to proceed with the trial immediately to expedite the legal process.
However, after weighing the arguments, Magistrate Somefun ruled in favor of the prosecution’s request. The court has now scheduled the resumption of the hearing for February 25, 2026.
The Gravity of the Charges
Adeniyi Kayode faces a litany of serious allegations stemming from the accident. He was arraigned on January 2 on a four-count charge that includes:
- Dangerous driving causing death, a violation of Section 5(1) of the Federal Highway Act.
- Reckless and negligent driving.
- Driving without due care and attention resulting in bodily harm and property damage.
- Operating a vehicle without a valid national driver’s license.
As the case pauses for administrative review, the families of the victims and the public await the next phase of a trial that has drawn significant attention due to its connection to the global boxing icon.